This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3 and Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels.

The last episode of Bridgerton season 3 resolved many plotlines, but also jump-started completely new ones, such as the story of Michaela Stirling. Michaela only makes two brief appearances in the season, yet Julia Quinn’s writings hint that she will play a far larger role later in the series. The appearance of Michaela may seem unassuming, but her introduction hints at the start of a brand-new chapter, both for Bridgerton season 4, and for Francesca.

Notably, Michaela Stirling’s introduction came at a time of great change for Francesca. After playing a very minor role in past Bridgerton seasons, she finally earned a bespoke storyline in season 3. Her new plot was a whirlwind. Francesca went from entering the ton for the first time in episode 1 to leaving for Scotland with her new husband in episode 8. Overall, Francesca has been through a lot in a short period of time. Michaela will likely only add to this. In fact, if Netflix stays true to Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books, Michaela will be at the center of Francesca’s life changes.

Michaela Stirling Is A New Bridgerton Character

Michaela Is John’s Cousin

When she first appears on-screen at the Dankworth-Finch ball, Michaela Stirling is introduced as John Stirling’s cousin. It is revealed that she will be accompanying Francesca and John to Scotland, along with Eloise. From the start, it is clear that Michaela is a charismatic yet perhaps dangerous person. Her first line is “Every sordid detail John has told you about me is a lie. The truth is far worse.” Then, she boldly asks Francesca to introduce herself, leaving the sixth Bridgerton sibling floundering for words.

Based on her introduction, some theories can be made about Michaela’s upcoming role in Bridgerton. First and foremost, Michaela’s opening line says a lot about her personality. If she assumes that John would reveal “sordid details” about her, then there must be some truth to these rumors. This is almost confirmed when she confidently claims the truth is much worse. Although Michaela seems charming, she may be hiding some dark or irresponsible behavior, at least by society’s standards. Francesca’s speechless awe hints that she will likely want to learn more about Michaela in the near future.

Michaela Stirling Will Replace 1 Very Important Bridgerton Character

Michaela Stirling Likely Represents Michael Stirling

The following section includes spoilers for Julia Quinn’s “When He Was Wicked.”

With the help of Julia Quinn’s book When He Was Wicked, Michaela Stirling’s role in Bridgerton becomes clear. Based on her name, Michaela is likely to take the place of the book character, Michael Stirling. Like Michaela, Michael is John Stirling’s cousin. He is first introduced, on the page, at a supper celebrating Francesca and John’s imminent marriage. Most importantly though, Michael is the man Francesca is destined to marry after John tragically passes away. Seemingly, Michaela will take on this role during Francesca’s upcoming season.

Although Michaela and Francesca’s romance may seem surprising, it has already been hinted at in Bridgerton season 3. When Francesca first meets Michaela, she is at a clear loss for words. This reaction harks back to an earlier conversation where Violet revealed that she could barely speak to Francesca’s father when they first met. Violet acknowledges that Francesca doesn’t act like that with John, but perhaps their love is simply different. Now, however, it seems that Francesca has found that breathless, speechless kind of love with Michaela.

Who Plays Michaela Stirling In Bridgerton

Masali Baduza Is Michaela Stirling

Michaela Stirling is played by South African actress, Masali Baduza. Born in East London, South Africa, Baduza has been acting since 2017. Her career began on the stage, but she soon picked up notable on-screen roles. Her first project was 2019’s Trackers. In 2020, she earned her breakout role as Sephy Hadley in the drama series, Noughts + Crosses. Since then, she has appeared in The Woman King, and now, Bridgerton. If Baduza stays in her role as Michaela Stirling, it is likely that Bridgerton viewers will see a lot more of her in the show’s future.

Overall, the introduction of Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling is incredibly exciting for Bridgerton. Bringing Michaela onto the scene hints that Francesca’s love story is forthcoming. Even if Bridgerton season 4 isn’t her season, her story could still play out in season 5. Additionally, Baduza’s casting represents a major and exciting Bridgerton book change. Making Francesca’s love story into an LGBTQ+ relationship adds a new layer of interest and representation to Bridgerton. Ultimately, the future looks bright for Bridgerton, and Michaela Stirling will only heighten anticipation for what’s ahead.