'Bridgerton' returns as fans get excited over new love story

It's an exciting day for Bridgerton fans as season two of the hit Netflix period drama dropped today - and viewers can't get enough of the new characters and storyline.

Shonda Rhimes' adaptation of Julia Quinn's books was one of the biggest successes the streaming service has ever seen when it launched on Christmas Day 2020 and its legions of fans have been waiting with anticipation for the next instalment of the raunchy drama.

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Although early reviews suggested that there were far fewer sex scenes this time around, so far it doesn't seem to have bothered fans who are already invested in the new love story.

This series features Daphne's (Phoebe Dynevor) brother Anthony's (Jonathan Bailey) search for a wife, which sees his world collide with two new characters, sisters Kate and Edwina Sharma.

Anthony is originally interested in pursuing Edwina (Charithra Chandran), but soon begins to fall for her elder sister Kate (Simone Ashley) who he starts out as sworn enemies with.

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One delighted viewer tweeted: "My God Kate & Anthony are killing me with the longing looks & the breathing & hands on hearts. I love their banter, their competitiveness, their spirit & their vulnerability."

Another fan agreed: "KATE & ANTHONY = INSTANT CHEMISTRY"

Someone else wrote: "Watching the tension between Kate & Anthony, the angst, the longing, the love."

Another viewer commented: "Every Kate-Anthony scene is actual GOLD. WTAF."

Fans also added their appreciation that the show had continued its diversity in casting and representation.

One person tweeted: "It's such a small thing but seeing Kate and Edwina always refer to their dad as "Appa" is really making my Tamil heart burst with happiness. This is one form of representation and it matters."

However, despite the love for Anthony and Kate, not bringing back Rege-Jean Page to pick up Simon and Daphne's romance again is still proving a controversial move.

One person tweeted: "How am I supposed to enjoy Bridgerton now without Simon I want to cry."

Someone else agreed: "Bridgerton is not the same without Simon I miss him."

Another person wrote: "Honestly if the duke is not coming back for season 2 of Bridgerton I don’t see the reason to watch it."

Bridgerton season two is streaming now on Netflix.

Watch: Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran 'so proud' to represent South Asian population