Hannah Dodd Interview on Francesca, Michaela

It would appear to this author that Francesca Bridgerton is in for a bumpy ride.

Indeed, Hannah Dodd is teasing the inner turmoil that is headed her character’s way in part two of Bridgerton season four—which drops on Netflix Feb. 26—following the return of Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), the cousin of her husband John Stirling (Victor Alli) to whom Francesca feels inexplicably drawn. 

“Michaela is a massive tornado in Francesca’s life,” Hannah told E! News’ Will Marfuggi in an exclusive interview. “Something happened in Scotland—there was something there that I think Michaela is a presence that’s quite confronting for Francesca.” 

Plus, her cousin-in-law’s arrival in London couldn’t happen at a worse time: Not only have Francesca and John welcomed the Bridgerton family to their home, but the couple is also finally finding their stride after a somewhat lackluster start to their union (which occurred in season three).

“John and Francesca have got closer and closer, and really worked hard on their relationship,” Hannah explained. “[They] really faced some quite difficult conversations and grown really close, and they’re finally in this really, really good place.”