Huge update on Netflix smash hit Bridgerton after raunchy carriage scene was snubbed for BAFTA gong

SERIES five of Bridgerton is going ahead after Netflix made a huge multi-million pound investment in the show’s future.

The greenlight for the new season takes the programme way beyond its current four season batch of shows, the most recent of which was filmed last year.

© 2024 Netflix, Inc.Series five of Bridgerton is going ahead[/caption] NetflixColin and Penelope’s saucy carriage sex scene was up for the Memorable Moment gong at the TV Baftas[/caption]

The Bridgerton story is likely to follow the rough pattern of the novels by Julia Quinn and it’s thought the next book which will serve as inspiration is expected to be Elouise Bridgerton’s story, To Sir Philip, With Love.

But nothing is a given in Netflix’s distinctive version of the story.

A TV insider said: “After introducing the controversial gender swap at the end of series three which saw Michael Stirling switched to Michaela, there is a chance execs could skip ahead to Francesca’s story.

“They certainly weren’t afraid to dabble with Julia Quinn’s timeline by swapping the order of Colin and Benedict’s tales.”

The good news about continuing the Bridgerton saga comes as series three received a nomination at this week’s TV BAFTA awards, with Colin and Penelope’s saucy carriage sex scene up for the Memorable Moment gong.

It was beaten by Chris McCausland’s moving dance on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Series four, which started filming at the end of 2024, will follow the story of the second Bridgerton son, Benedict, played by Luke Thompson.

I exclusively revealed last year how Netflix had invested millions in building a huge new Regency-style set on the edge of London, shifting everything from its traditional home on the stunning streets of Bath.

It’s hard to believe it’s now been almost five years since the first series dropped on Netflix starring Phoebe Dynevor and Rege Jean Page, before series two came along and helped firmly catapult Jonathan Bailey to Hollywood superstardom.

Last year’s third series did similar wonders for the career of its leading lady Nicola Coughlan opposite her character’s love interest, Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton.

Netflix were approached for comment.

LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIXBridgerton has been going for five years[/caption]