It’s not every day that a beloved period drama returns to the screen with a fresh twist and a dose of real-life romance, but that’s exactly what’s happened with the arrival of Bridgerton’s fourth season on Netflix. Debuting in January 2026, the new season draws inspiration from Julia Quinn’s third Bridgerton novel, An Offer From a Gentleman, and places Benedict Bridgerton—portrayed by Luke Thompson—firmly in the spotlight for his own romantic journey.
The season’s synopsis, as reported by the Mirror, teases, “Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down—until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.” This Cinderella-inspired arc launches in the opening episode, where viewers meet Sophie Baek (played by Yerin Ha), who sneaks into Lady Violet Bridgerton’s (Ruth Gemmell) grand masquerade. It’s at this opulent gathering that Sophie, a mysterious guest with questionable dancing skills, bonds with Benedict in a moment that’s as charming as it is awkward.
But, as fans quickly discover, Sophie isn’t who she appears to be. She’s actually the illegitimate daughter of an earl and one of his maids, working as a servant for her stern stepmother, Lady Araminta Penwood (Katie Leung). After her secret is exposed, Sophie is dismissed from the household and forced to find work in the countryside. Fate, however, isn’t done with her yet—she crosses paths with Benedict once more, though he fails to recognize the woman who captured his heart at the ball.
Despite not knowing her true identity, Benedict is drawn to Sophie, and the chemistry between the two quickly intensifies. The first half of the season wraps up on a tantalizing romantic cliffhanger, leaving viewers desperate to see what comes next for this star-crossed pair. As Everything Gossip notes, “Benedict quickly fell head over heels for Sophie, with the first half of episodes ending on a romantic cliffhanger involving the pair.”
This season of Bridgerton isn’t just about love among the upper crust—it also shines a rare spotlight on the Regency-era household staff, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who keep Bridgerton House running. Among these is footman John, played by Oli Higginson. John isn’t a new face for die-hard fans; he’s appeared in all four seasons, quietly serving as a trusted member of the household. In season one, he notably helped Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) uncover secrets about Lady Whistledown, and in the latest season, he’s instrumental in orchestrating Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball.
Yet, it’s not just John’s on-screen loyalty that has fans talking. Off-screen, actor Oli Higginson’s personal life has become a delightful revelation for many. As reported by both the Mirror and Everything Gossip, Higginson has been married since 2016 to Meaghan Martin, a U.S. actress who’s no stranger to the limelight herself. Martin is best known for her role as Tess in Disney’s Camp Rock films and has also appeared in ABC Family’s 10 Things I Hate About You and Mean Girls 2 before making the move to the UK.
Their love story is as captivating as any Regency romance. Martin previously revealed, “The first class activity we did was hold eye contact with each other for five minutes straight!” The pair met during a two-week summer drama course—a quirky beginning that seems fitting for two actors destined for the screen. Their connection, forged in that intense moment of silent communication, has clearly stood the test of time.
This real-life pairing has left Bridgerton fans positively gobsmacked. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, ranging from disbelief to outright joy. One fan wrote on TikTok, “I literally just found out about this minutes ago and I was so shocked!” Another exclaimed, “I just... truly my mind was blown when I found this out earlier! A pairing you truly couldn’t see coming but I absolutely love it!” The sense of surprise and delight is palpable, with comments like “SCREAMING WHAT,” and “Excuse me WHAT,” echoing across platforms.
Beyond the off-screen intrigue, the series itself is breaking new ground by delving deeper into the experiences of household staff. For a show set in the Regency era—a period often romanticized for its balls and courtships—this focus adds a layer of authenticity and social commentary. As Everything Gossip points out, “With the leading lady being a servant, fans have been given more access to the Regency staff in season four, particularly those who work at Bridgerton House.”
It’s a subtle but meaningful shift. The world of Bridgerton has always been about more than just romance and scandal; it’s a tapestry of relationships, both upstairs and downstairs, that reflect the complexities of the time. By bringing characters like John and Sophie to the forefront, the show not only entertains but also invites viewers to consider the lives and loves of those who exist outside the gilded drawing rooms.
Of course, the main event remains the romance between Benedict and Sophie. Their story, rooted in mistaken identity and longing, is a classic trope given fresh life by the show’s diverse casting and modern sensibilities. Yerin Ha’s portrayal of Sophie brings a new dimension to the character, while Luke Thompson’s Benedict is equal parts dashing and vulnerable. The chemistry between the two has been widely praised, and fans are eagerly awaiting the resolution of their story.
For those counting down the days, the wait won’t be long. Bridgerton season 4, part 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The anticipation is building, with viewers keen to see how Benedict and Sophie’s story unfolds—and whether the show will continue to explore the hidden lives of its supporting cast.
In the meantime, the revelation of Oli Higginson and Meaghan Martin’s marriage has added an unexpected layer of real-life romance to the Bridgerton universe. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that happen off-screen, in moments of genuine connection and surprise. For fans of the show, and for anyone who loves a good love story, this season of Bridgerton is delivering on all fronts—both in fiction and in fact.
With new episodes on the horizon and fresh stories to tell, Bridgerton continues to prove that the magic of romance—whether scripted or spontaneous—never goes out of style.