Simone Ashley to Anchor Eloise’s Chapter in Bridgerton Season 5

Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell reveals that Simone Ashley’s Kate Sharma will play a pivotal role in the upcoming season centered on Eloise Bridgerton.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 4:46 AM EST

Source: People

A Mentorship Role for the Viscountess

In an exclusive preview of the upcoming season, Jess Brownell detailed how Kate Sharma will transition from a central romantic lead to a key supporting figure for Eloise. As Eloise navigates her own complicated path toward love and social independence, Kate is expected to serve as a confidante and mentor. Having entered the Bridgerton family as an outsider who challenged traditional norms, Kate is uniquely positioned to understand Eloise’s internal struggle between her desire for autonomy and the expectations of Regency era society.

Maintaining the Sharma Legacy

The decision to bring back Simone Ashley in a "major" capacity addresses a common concern among the series' fanbase: the disappearance of leads once their specific romantic arc concludes. Following the departure of Rege-Jean Page after season one and the limited appearances of Phoebe Dynevor, the production team has made a concerted effort to retain the chemistry of the "Kanthony" pairing. While Jonathan Bailey’s Anthony Bridgerton will also appear, the narrative focus for the household will lean heavily on Kate’s burgeoning leadership as the matriarch of the family estate.

Strategic Shifts in the Bridgerton Timeline

The upcoming season represents a significant departure from the chronological order of Julia Quinn’s original novels. By focusing on Eloise (played by Claudia Jessie) for the fifth chapter, the show is leaning into its most modern and feminist character arc. Showrunners indicated that the pacing of the series requires a "dynamic presence" like Ashley’s Kate to bridge the gap between the established family traditions and Eloise’s radical ideas. This move ensures that the domestic drama at Bridgerton House remains as compelling as the external scandals reported by Lady Whistledown.