The stars of Bridgerton's second season Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey will return as Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton in the next series.

The couple, known together as Kathony, set pulses racing throughout the heart-wrenching second instalment of Netflix's hit Regency romance.

Speaking to Deadline, Simone Ashley, star of the streaming platform's other runaway hit Sex Education, revealed that the characters would be returning for series three. 

The news comes as a relief to many Bridgerton fans who are still mourning the loss of series one heartthrob the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page.

Ledbury Reporter: (left to right) Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton and Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma. Credit: Netflix(left to right) Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton and Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma. Credit: Netflix (Image: Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022)

Bridgerton buffs already knew that the period drama had been renewed for a third and fourth season, based on Julia Quinn's eight novels.

Series two ended with the pair finally admitting their feelings and getting married but Bailey revealed that the newlyweds' story is “just getting started".

Speaking about Kathony's tense enemies to lovers storyline. Bailey said: “There were complications with the family and then they find each other towards the end. I think everything is just starting.

“I’d like to see Kate just let go a bit more and play more in season three and kind of swim in that circle of love together. I think they both deserve it.”

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Teasing what might be ahead for Kate Sharma, the actor added: “She’s in charge of the household now and she’s got big boots to put on. I think she can do it.

“I want to keep that softness and vulnerability to Kate and she can share that with Anthony.

“I’m just excited for her to have a home and to have a family. I’m excited to see her grow. I think I’d like to see Kate being much braver and less headstrong and more heart strong.”