Bridgerton has found its new leading lady after casting Sex Education star Simone Ashley. 

The actor will appear as Kate in the second series of Netflix’s hit period drama.

Kate will catch the eye of Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, who is stepping up to become the show’s leading man in the next season. 

The character is described as “a smart, headstrong young woman who suffers no fools — Anthony Bridgerton very much included”.

Simone is best known for playing part of ‘The Untouchables’ Olivia Hanan in Sex Education, which is also made by Netflix. 

Season two of Bridgerton was announced last month, and in honour of the news, Netflix shared a new edition of “Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers”, which read: “The ton are abuzz with the latest gossip, and so it is my honour to impart to you: Bridgerton shall officially return for a second season.

“I do hope you have stored a bottle of ratafia for this most delightful occasion.”

Filming will begin in the UK during the spring.

Bridgerton arrived on Netflix on Christmas Day and proved a global hit, becoming the streaming service’s biggest ever original series after it was viewed by a record 82 million households in 28 days.

The first series focuses on the love story of the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor’s debutant Daphne Bridgerton.