Netflix Bridgerton cast in full as The Crown and Stay Close stars join line-up

Bridgerton fans don't have long to wait until the hit show returns for its hotly-anticipated third season.

Season three will release in two parts, each made up of four episode, on May 16 and June 13 respectively. The royal romance drama sees Derry Girls' Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington and The Lodge's Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton.

According to the show's official synopsis, Penelope enters season three finally ready to give up her long-time crush on Colin. The synopsis continues: "Penelope has decided it’s time to take a husband — and preferably one who will give her the freedom to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from the prying eyes of her mother and sisters."

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The synopsis continues: "Lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly. Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger.

"But he’s disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder. Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly."

Here's who we can expect back on our screens for Bridgerton season three...

Bridgerton season three cast

Joining Nicola and Luke for Bridgerton season three are the following familiar faces...

• Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton

• Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte

• Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury

• Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton

• Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley

• Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton

• Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma

• Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton

• Harriet Cains as Philipa Featherington

• Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington

• Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper

• Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton

• Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich

• Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton

• Polly Walker as Portia Featherington

• Julie Andrews as Lady Whistledown

• Hugh Sachs as Brimsley

• Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich

• Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve Delacroix

Season 3 will also welcome three new actors to tell this romantic tale. Daniel Francis, who portrayed Dave Shaw in the thriller series Stay Close, will play Marcus Anderson, a charismatic new entry to the ton. Meanwhile James Phoon has the role of Harry Dankworth, who may lack wit but makes up for it with dashing looks. The Crown’s Sam Phillips will appear as Lord Debling, a new suitor for Penelope.

Bridgerton Season Three Part One premieres on Netflix on Thursday May 16, with part two dropping on June 13.