Netflix viewers 'cancel subscription' after Bridgerton season 4 bombshell

Scores of Netflix users are ditching their subscriptions in frustration after a disheartening announcement about Bridgerton series four dashed hopes.

In the midst of production, Bridgerton is set to grace screens with its fourth season in 2026. Despite confirmation that beloved characters will return, audiences were disconcerted upon realising one pivotal star may not reprise their role.

Simone Ashley, who dazzled as Kate Bridgerton in seasons two and three, has not been confirmed for the upcoming season, a revelation that left fans dismayed, as her absence from recent cast announcements was noted.

Disillusioned viewers took to social media to express their dismay. One viewer admitted: "I have yet to finish Bridgerton Season 3 and can't imagine returning if Simone Ashley isn't in Season 4."

Another expressed their final straw moment, declaring: "I canceled my Netflix.

"I haven't watched anything on it in months, and while I was looking forward to Benophie, I'll enjoy all their edits on SM now instead. Bridgerton has treated Simone Ashley like garbage, and that was really the last straw for me", reports the Manchester Evening News.

Simone dazzled as the lead in Bridgerton's second season alongside her on-screen beau Anthony Bridgerton (played by Jonathan Bailey).

She made a fleeting appearance in the third instalment before her character jetted off to India with her spouse for their child's cultural education.

It has been confirmed that Bailey will reprise his role as Anthony in the upcoming fourth season.

The fourth chapter of Bridgerton is set to welcome a host of fresh faces, including Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek, the new romantic interest for Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson).

The series will also see Katie Leung stepping into the shoes of Lady Araminta Gun, with Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li, and Isabella Wei portraying Posy Li.

Luke gave fans a hint about what's in store for season four, sharing with Tudum: "What's striking about Season 4 is that it's the struggle between a proper old-school fairy tale - the romance of it - and the actual reality of the world.

"And both are true. You have to hold both of them - the romance and the reality - in your hand. In its best version, 'true love' happens in the middle of that."

The star-studded lineup for the new season also includes Victor Alli as John Stirling, Adjoa Andoh returning as Lady Danbury, Julie Andrews lending her voice to Lady Whistledown, Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley, Masali Baduza playing Michaela Stirling, and Nicola Coughlan back as Penelope Bridgerton.

Bridgerton is available to stream on Netflix.