New “Bridgerton” season 3 images show return of Kate and Anthony, a recast Francesca

The popular Netflix series returns with the first of a two-part third season in May.

We're still a few months out from the third season premiere of Bridgerton on Netflix — and it's a two-part season, no less — but to sate your thirst for corseted canoodling, the streamer released some new teaser images.

Fans of Jonathan Bailey's jawline will be happy to see his return as eldest and hottest Bridgerton sibling Anthony and his equally hot wife Kate, portrayed by Simone Ashley.

"It was really thrilling to have Simone and Johnny back and getting to see what Anthony and Kate's married life looks like," showrunner Jess Brownell recently told EW. "With them, we're not really interested in introducing any big new conflicts into their relationship. We feel like they've been through the hard stuff, and we want viewers to get to see them in a more playful, lovey space."

Meanwhile, rarely-seen, pianoforte-loving sixth sibling Francesca Bridgerton has been recast; Ruby Stokes played her for the first two seasons, but this season she's being played by Hannah Dodd.

The new season centers on Lady Whistledown herself, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), who has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after overhearing him say that he would never court her. Still, our gal's decided it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue spilling court tea as the shady Lady. But lacking confidence (thanks, Colin), Penelope’s attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly.

Speaking of that basic Bridgerton, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and what passes for 19th century swagger. But he’s disheartened when good old reliable Penelope is giving him the cold shoulder. Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband — which sounds like a classic beginning of a rom-com.

Complicating matters for Penelope are her rift with former BFF Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who has found a new friend in a very unlikely place, as well as her own growing social presence, making it all the more difficult to keep her Julie Andrews-voiced alter ego a secret.

Part one (the first four episodes) of Bridgerton season 3 premieres May 16 while the second half premieres June 13.

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