How Does “Bridgerton” Explain Daphne's Absence in Season 3? All About Phoebe Dynevor's Exit from the Show

Phoebe Dynevor does not reprise her role as Daphne in season 3

Bridgerton’s very first diamond of the season won’t be back for season 3.

After Daphne and Simon got their happily ever after in season 1, actress Phoebe Dynevor confirmed she won’t be reprising her role as the duchess in the upcoming season.

Though Regé-Jean Page notably exited the series after his season 1 debut, Dynevor's character appeared throughout season 2 as fans followed her brother Anthony’s love story. As she helped her brother through his own relationship woes, fans learned details about her marriage to Simon, including the first glimpse of their son, Augie.

Since her breakout role as Daphne, Dynevor has starred in the Netflix thriller Fair Play alongside Alden Ehrenreich, and is slated to release several new projects later this year.

Here’s everything to know about her exit from Bridgerton and how the show addresses her absence.

Spoilers for Bridgerton season 3 ahead.

Where did Bridgerton leave off with Daphne in season 2?

After her marriage to Simon, the first season ends with Daphne giving birth to their first child, a baby boy.

Throughout season 2, we get a few insights into Daphne's married life as she travels home to help her sister Eloise with her debut to society; they include glimpses of Augie when she brings him along for the family's annual croquet match at the Bridgerton estate.

As a result of Regé-Jean Page exiting the series after season 1, the show explained his absence by saying that Simon was away on business during Daphne's trips home.

How does Bridgerton explain Daphne’s absence?

Daphne’s absence is only subtly addressed in the new season, though her character is mentioned several times throughout. In episode 1, the show hints at Daphne’s whereabouts as Eloise and Cressida catch up at a party and it's suggested that Eloise spent some time away in "the country" at Daphne’s estate.

In season 1, Daphne and Simon honeymoon at Clyvedon Castle, a massive estate near the countryside, which is mentioned again in season 2 when Daphne discusses leaving her husband and son behind to visit with her family during Eloise’s debut.

Though not explicitly mentioned, it’s implied that Daphne has decided to stay back with Simon and her son at Clyvedon Castle during the latest social season.

Why did Phoebe Dynevor leave Bridgerton?

In January 2023, Dynevor confirmed she would not reprise her role as Daphne in season 3 during an interview with Screen Rant. When asked if there were “any exciting dynamics coming up” with her character in the new season, she replied, “Sadly not in season 3," adding that she was “excited” to watch the show “as a viewer."

Speaking with Variety, she further teased the reasoning behind her departure, noting that she simply felt her character’s story had run its course. “Well, I did my two seasons,” she explained of her future on the show. “I’ve done what I wanted to do with that character and she had a great arc.”

What has Phoebe Dynevor done since Bridgerton?

Since Bridgerton season 2’s release in March 2022, Dynevor has been keeping busy. In addition to appearing on an episode of Ten Percent, she recently starred in the 2023 thriller Fair Play alongside Alden Ehrenreich.

Speaking with Variety, Dynevor said her role in the Netflix film was a huge moment for her as an actress, especially as she was stepping away from Bridgerton. “Post-Bridgerton, there was this feeling of ‘Am I meant to be here?’” Dynevor said. “When I got the success and fame, I wasn’t expecting it, and wasn’t prepared. I didn’t really have a voice or a sense of self, fully. It’s only in the past few years that I’ve been finding my voice and where I fit into this world.”

Up next, Dynevor is set to star in the thriller Anniversary alongside Mckenna Grace and Zoey Deutch as well as the spy film Inheritance. She is also stepping into the world of producing with her upcoming film, The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, per The Hollywood Reporter.

On the personal front, Dynevor has wedding planning on the docket. In May 2024, it was revealed that she’s engaged to actor Cameron Fuller after she debuted her ring at the Met Gala. She later confirmed the news on Instagram as she shared a sweet photo of the proposal.

Will Phoebe Dynevor return for future Bridgerton seasons?

Though Dynevor won’t be back for season 3, she is leaving the door open for future seasons, telling Screen Rant she might “potentially” reprise her role in the future.

That being said, Dynevor still has a close bond with her Bridgerton costars. During the Met Gala, she had a fun reunion with two of her castmates, Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey, aka her onscreen sister-in-law and brother on the show.

Dynevor and Ashley were seen leaving the fashion event together, while Dynevor and Bailey caught up afterward. The onscreen sister and brother were seen leaving the Mark Hotel together hand-in-hand.

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