Bridgerton season 5 leads revealed and fans are losing their minds

"They deserve a love story just like everybody else."

The streaming giant released a teaser trailer announcing that Francesca Bridgerton, portrayed by Hannah Dodd, will be taking centre stage, while Masali Baduza's Michaela Stirling will be her love interest.

It’s the first time since Bridgerton first hit screens in 2020 that a same sex couple will lead a season, and it’s safe to say fans are absolutely over the moon. The excitement only grew after the show revealed it had gender swapped Francesca’s future love interest, turning Michael from the books into Michaela on screen.

For those who have no clue what we’re on about, Michaela is the cousin of Francesca’s husband, Lord John Stirling, played by Victor Alli, and she makes her first appearance at the end of season three of Bridgerton.

Despite getting off on the wrong foot, the pair slowly but surely build a strong friendship, with Michaela supporting Francesca after Lord John unexpectedly dies in season four of Bridgerton.

However, the season four finale has left fans divided.

For anyone who hasn’t caught up with the finale just yet, consider this your official spoiler warning.

Michaela is known for her love of travelling the world, but in the final episode, Francesca asks her to remain in Mayfair, confessing that she is the only person who truly understands her.

Michaela agrees to stay, and when their hands brush, there is a subtle, charged moment that speaks volumes without either of them saying a word.

Soon after, she slips away without saying goodbye, possibly realising her feelings are becoming more complicated than she can handle and choosing to leave rather than confront them.

Fans are now hoping for the couple's happy ending in season five, following the announcement of the upcoming season.

Fans of the beloved series were quick to share their excitement online, with one person writing: "IM GONNA CRY RN THIS IS INSANE."

Another gushed: "Franchaela era incoming…... my heart isn’t ready," with a third adding: "They ARE the best thing that's ever happened to Bridgerton."

Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell spoke to Tudum about the upcoming season: "I cannot say enough good things about Hannah and Masali. The two of them have such a beautiful friendship and support each other in such a beautiful way.

"But, beyond that, I really do think that they are two incredibly talented and special performers. They’re actors who can say so much with just an expression, with just their faces."

Brownell went on to talk about the importance of shining a light on a queer relationship like Francesca and Michaela’s. Dodd said: "[Those love stories] have traditionally been excluded from things like period dramas — and queer people did exist, have always existed, and will always exist.

"So they deserve a love story just like everybody else."