Bridgerton author Julia Quinn wants season two of Netflix adaptation to deviate from books and bring back original characters

'The series doesn't follow the book word for word – and I don't think it should'

Julia Quinn, the author of the Bridgerton book series, has discussed potential plotlines for the second season of the hit Netflix adaptation.

Released on the streaming service last December, Bridgerton became the most-watched original series that Netflix has ever produced, and a second run of episodes has already been commissioned.

Bridgerton tells the story of two aristocratic families, the Bridgertons and the Featheringtons, in early 19th-century England.

The first season, like the first novel in the series, focused on a romance between Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page) and Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor).

Though the novels then switch focus to different characters every instalment, Quinn told The Sun that she wanted the TV adaptation to deviate from the books and return, in part, to its first-season romance.

The second season is likely to focus on Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey (LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX)

“The series doesn't follow the book word for word - and I don't think [it] should,” she said.

“The story of each book plays out in a season, but it's not the only story.”

Quinn's second Bridgerton novel, entitled The Viscount Who Loved Me, turns the spotlight to Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, played in the series by Jonathan Bailey.

“I hope [Daphne and the Duke show up again], for no other reason than Daphne has the right to interfere with Anthony's life,” she added. “To deny her that chance would be criminal. I think it would be lovely to see.”

Bridgerton can be streamed on Netflix now.