With Phoebe Dynevor (who plays Daphne) no longer a part of the Bridgerton main cast, the Netflix series tried its hardest to replace her, but season 3 demonstrated exactly why the eldest daughter is irreplaceable. The historical romance TV show is based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book series, with each season revolving around the love story of one Bridgerton sibling. Season 1 chronicled Daphne’s whirlwind romance with Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, and ever since its last episode, Daphne has scarcely been seen on the show.

Dynevor reprised her role as Daphne in a few Bridgerton season 2 episodes. However, the actress did not return in season 3 — not even to attend her brother’s wedding to Penelope Featherington (or Francesca’s wedding to John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin, for that matter). Daphne was completely absent during Bridgerton season 3, and even though the Netflix series evidently attempted to replace her with one of her sisters (Francesca), Daphne’s absence in the latest Bridgerton episodes was more prevalent than ever.

Francesca Shows Daphne Can’t Fully Be Replaced In Bridgerton

Francesca’s Role In Season 3 Contrasted With Daphne’s In Season 1

Bridgerton recast the role of Francesca in season 3 after Ruby Stokes left the show, and Hannah Dodd took her place as the third-youngest Bridgerton sibling at the beginning of Colin’s season. Francesca, similar to Daphne, made her debut into society during the premiere, and just like her older sister, Queen Charlotte chose Francesca as the diamond of the season. Queen Charlotte called Francesca her “sparkler,” but she seemed just as impressed by her as she was with Daphne in season 1. While Daphne and Francesca share this one thing in common, they couldn’t be more different everywhere else.

Francesca is reserved and content with living a quiet life, while Daphne is accustomed to (and takes pleasure in) being in the spotlight. Daphne also wanted an epic love story like her parents, and Francesca told her mother she was okay with not having a love match. So, while Bridgerton season 3 seemingly tried to replace Daphne with Francesca, the episodes only highlighted their differences. Consequently, the Netflix series won’t be able to find a stand-in for Daphne, especially since Francesca was supposed to take on that role and moved to Scotland at the end of Bridgerton season 3.

Bridgerton Needs To Properly Explain Daphne’s Absence If She Doesn’t Return

Daphne’s Absence Is Still Confusing (In The Context Of The Show)

It’s okay if Bridgerton fails to replace Daphne as it’s evident she is irreplaceable. However, the Netflix historical romance series still has to provide a better explanation for Phoebe Dynevor’s character’s absence if she doesn’t reprise her role in season 4. The fact that Daphne missed Colin and Francesca’s weddings is baffling, partly because the show didn’t provide a good reason as to why she wasn’t in attendance. Bridgerton can’t just claim that Daphne is off-screen at important events, and season 4 must have a better justification for her probable absence.