Bridgerton star Hannah Dodd has become a fan-favourite since taking over the role of Francesca in season three
Hannah Dodd has worked with some very famous faces including a Beckham.
Bridgerton has returned to Netflix with the concluding instalments of series four, delivering significant plot developments for Francesca Stirling. Actress Hannah Dodd assumed the role from Ruby Stokes, and since the third series, she has captured viewers’ hearts.
The 30 year old performer, hailing from Colchester in Essex, discussed her character’s complex arc throughout her brother Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) romantic narrative. Speaking to Radio Times about Francesca’s encounters with her husband’s cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza), she explained: “I think Francesca is very inhibited by rules of society and rules she puts on herself and expectations she puts on herself.”
She elaborated: “Michaela throws that away and even in life, in modern day, when you meet that person and you’re like ‘Why don’t you feel like this?’ I think that’s the dynamic between the two of them.”
Dodd’s roots are in Colchester, though she was raised in Leavenheath on the Essex–Suffolk border. Her education took her through Ormiston Sudbury Academy, Evolution Foundation College and London Studio Centre, where she acknowledges her drama and dance instructors for nurturing her ambitions.
Dancing has been part of her life since the age of two, whilst she launched a modelling career at 16, channelling her earnings into financing her dance education.
Her modelling portfolio includes major retailers such as Primark, Topshop and Monsoon Accessorize, before securing a prestigious Burberry campaign in 2014 aged 19, appearing alongside Romeo Beckham. Speaking to British Vogue at the time about her formative years, she revealed: “Dancing has always been a passion of mine from a young age. I am training in ballet, contemporary, jazz and musical theatre, which I think is my favourite as I’d love to get into acting, too. At the moment I’m focusing on finishing my degree but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with modelling.”
She continued: “Being able to do the two things I love most – dance and model – for the Burberry campaign was a dream come true.”
Her modelling career began when a local photographer submitted her photographs to Select agency.
Reflecting on her early career, she explained: “The Burberry campaign was my first big job and Select have been really understanding as I am in full-time education so my time is limited,” adding: “I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such a lovely cast and crew and be part of the amazing Burberry family.”
Her transition to acting came in 2018 with the Hulu series Find Me in Paris, where she portrayed one of the lead characters, Thea Raphael. Subsequently, she secured parts in Harlots and Anatomy of a Scandal.
Her film credits include Eternals and Enola Holmes 2, before becoming a series regular on Bridgerton in 2024. In May 2025, she made her West End debut portraying Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre.
Boasting over a million Instagram followers, the actress regularly updates fans on her latest projects, including exclusive glimpses from her Cabaret performance. She expressed: “I thought I’d have some really beautiful words to sum up this experience if I just waited – But here we are a month on and I still don’t. I think I’ll be processing Sally and all cabaret is for a looooong old time. All I can say is I love this group of cast and creatives with my whole heart.
“I’m so grateful I got to do this and learn from you all each night. Thank you for holding my hand and squeezing it on the days I needed a little extra help! You’re all magic and I’m your biggest fan forever.”
The celebrity also took the opportunity to honour her elder sister, Alice, on her 30th birthday in March 2023, stating: “Annoyingly in your classic Alice way, you’re basically the best big sister ever. We’re the luckiest to have you and you will forever be the coolest person in the world to me. Enjoy your day. Miss you a whole bunch.” She also has a brother named Will, although little is known about him.
Bridgerton season 4 is on Netflix now
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