Bridgerton star Hannah Dodd has weighed in on a theory wanting her character Francesca to be neurodivergent.
Dodd has taken over the role of Francesca on the third season of Netflix's Regency-era show, with the latest instalment focusing on her debut and subsequent relationship with Lord John Stirling, played by Victor Alli.
Contrary to the show's whirlwind romances, and much to Violet Bridgerton's puzzlement, Francesca and John bond over their interest in music and a desire to retreat from society.
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Some fans have interpreted Francesca and John's shyness as a possible sign of neurodiversity, with Dodd confirming her character having neurodivergent traits was discussed in the writer's room.
Related: Bridgerton's Shonda Rhimes "cried" watching season 3 finale
"It's been so lovely to see," Dodd told BBC News, about neurodivergent viewers finding Francesca relatable.
"This is a show about people and representation so it's only a good thing if people feel that they can see themselves on the screen."
"I know it was discussed in the writers' room that there were maybe, like, traits [of neurodiversity in Francesca]," she said, then saying that she and Alli "as actors" focused on responding to the "rich" script.
Related: Bridgerton's Michaela Stirling just changed everything for Francesca and the show
"We got such a great script so we just so we just responded to what was on the paper," Dodd said.
"It wasn't something that was understood in those times," she said of neurodiversity.
"It's not something that I think Francesca or you... [she said to Alli], [that] we need to understand," she concluded, adding: "It's so, so nice that the community have embraced us and feel seen."
Bridgerton seasons 1-3 are streaming on Netflix, along with Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
