Bridgerton was one of the biggest telly hits of 2021 - a year when we were all reliant on TV – but what do we know about the cast?
Here's everything we know about Prudence Featherington actor Bessie Carter.
Who is Bessie Carter Bridgerton?
Bessie is an actor in the hugely successful first series of Bridgerton, which landed on Netflix to critical acclaim at Christmas 2021.
Who is Bessie Carter’s character Prudence Featherington?
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Prudence is one of the well-heeled Featherington sisters, in the third year after her social debut, is nearing the end of her period of eligibility and spends the season striving to secure a husband. She is the eldest daughter of Lord and Lady Featherington, who are at the centre of the regency social scene.
She is described by the narrator, Lady Whistledown, as “not [having] one nice bone in her body… though never she, nor her mother, would ever admit it.”
Who are Bessie Carter’s parents?
While Bessie’s character comes from nobility, the actor herself is the child of acting royalty, with both her parents esteemed thespians.
Her dad is Jim Carter OBE, who is best known for playing Mr Carter on Downton Abbey, and her mum is Imelda Staunton CBE, who played Professor Umbridge in the fifth Harry Potter film and is set to play The Queen in series five and six of another Netflix smash, The Crown.
What else has Bessie Carter been in?
Before getting the part of Prudence, Bessie already had a number of TV credits under her belt.
Her first role was as Margaret Gidman in BBC period drama Cranford, in 2007. She later had recurring roles in Howards End (as Evie Wilcox) and Beecham House (as Violet Woodhouse) as well as short films Emerge and Two in 2020.
CHECK OUT: Season 2 Bridgerton cast
Season 2 Bridgerton cast
1 of 5Simone Ashley who will play Kate Sharma
If you haven't been living under a rock these past couple years, you'll probably recognise Simone from a not-so-little Netflix original called Sex Education. In the show, Simone plays 'cool' girl Olivia but, now cast for Bridgerton's second season, she will be playing Kate Sharma. According to Shondaland TV, Kate is, "equal parts headstrong and whip smart."Her sharp wit and independent nature make her a singular force on the 1814 marriage mart, where she hopes to secure a love match for her younger sister, Edwina."You can follow Simone on Instagram @SimoneAsshley.
2 of 5Charithra Chandran who will play Edwina Sharma
Charithra is a British-Indian actress who is relatively new to the acting industry but has previously starred in IMdb's Alex Rider series. Now, for Bridgerton season two, she will be playing Edwina Sharma (Kate Sharma's younger sister). In a statement about the character, Netflix wrote, "Edwina has been taught by her older sister Kate to be the perfect debutante."She's kind natured and endlessly endearing. But while she may be young and naive, she also knows what she wants: a true love match."You can follow Charithra on Instagram @Charithra17.
3 of 5Shelley Conn who will play Mary Sharma
Shelley has had quite the fruitful acting career and has starred in everything from Silent Witness to, would you believe it, Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In Bridgerton's second series, she will play Kate Sharma's mother, Mary. In her Twitter introduction, it was revealed that, "Lady Mary's marriage once embroiled her and her family in scandal."Now newly returned to London with her daughters, she's forced to endure the scrutiny of the ton yet again."You can follow Shelley on Twitter @Shelley_Conn.
4 of 5Calam Lynch who will be playing Theo Sharp
Calam, who has previously starred in the likes of Dunkirk and Derry Girls, will be starring as Theo Sharpe who, according to Netflix, is "A hardworking printer's assistant. "But he's not just a working class man, he's also an intellectual who fights for the rights for all."You can follow Calam on Instagram @CalamLynch.
5 of 5Rupert Young who will play jack
In the past, Rupert has starred in Doc Martin, Merlin and Doctor Who, among other things. Now, ahead of Bridgerton's second season, he has been cast as Jack. According to Netflix, Jack is, "The newest member of the ton with a connection to one of its most notable families."You can follow Rupert on Instagram @RupertFYoung.
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How old is Bessie Carter?
Bessie was born on the 25th of October 1993, making her 27 years old.
When is Bridgerton series 2 starting?
Back in April 2021 it was confirmed that Bridgerton had been renewed for a second seriesafter the massive success of its first. While an official start date has yet to be announced, cast and crew have been working on the show since the spring and so it's expected to drop next year.
Making the announcement in an official statement in January 2021, Lady Whistledown said, “The ton are abuzz with the latest gossip, and so it is my honour to impart to you: Bridgerton shall officially return for a second season,” her statement read. “I do hope you have stored a bottle of ratafia for this most delightful occasion.”
Who is returning to Bridgerton series 2?
Series one heartthrob Regé-Jean Page, who played the smouldering Duke of Hastings, revealed he wouldn’t be reprising his role back in April, and that series two will focus on “Lord Anthony Bridgerton's quest to find a Viscountess”. And despite her husband's departure, the Duchess of Hastings (Daphne Bridgerton) will “remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season.”
Regency London is also welcoming five new cast members for brand new roles, as well as welcoming back the rest of the OG cast.
What is Bessie Carter’s Instagram?
You can follow Bessie on the gram @missbessb.