Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor reveals Daphne is NOT returning in season three

Dear readers, do you hear that sound?

That's the sound of hearts breaking around the world because Phoebe Dynevor has just revealed she will be joining Regé-Jean Page by not returning to Bridgerton.

The 27-year-old left audiences swooning in her role as Daphne Basset opposite the hunky Duke of Hastings in the first season of the incredibly popular series - adapted from Julia Quinn's novels.

But while word around the ton was that she would return to the show, the bombshell has now been dropped that her character won’t make an appearance in season three of the Netflix drama.

During interviews at the Sundance Film Festival, she said she is "sadly not in season three. Potentially in the future. But season three, I’m just excited to watch as a viewer."

She continued: "Well I did my two seasons. I've done what I wanted to do with that character and she had a great arc. If they ask me back in the future, who knows?"

The upcoming third season will find Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) as she's finally given up her crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after hearing him disparage her to his friends last season.

Instead, she’s focusing on finding a husband who will respect her independence so she may continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, away from her mother and sisters. 

Meanwhile, Colin is back from his summer travels with a new look and major swagger. He is disheartened to learn that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder.

Eager to win back her friendship, Colin helps Penelope boost her confidence so as to attract the perfect husband. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin is faced with figuring out what his true feelings for his friend really are.

Seasons one and two are streaming now on Netflix.