Lord John Stirling, played by Victor Alli, has entered the marriage market in Bridgerton season 3. In the literary canon, John Stirling is the first husband of Francesca Bridgerton, the third daughter in the Bridgerton family, who eventually finds her Happily Ever After in the sixth book, When He Was Wicked. In the story, Francesca becomes a young widow after John’s early and shocking death, and her love interest becomes Michael Stirling, John’s cousin who inherits the earldom. Alli’s portrayal of John in season 3 indicates that Francesca is closer to finding The One.
Victor Alli has appeared in various acting roles before Bridgerton, including films such as Belfast and Death on the Nile, as well as TV series like The Man Who Fell to Earth and Last Light. He also starred as Jim O’Connor in a 2024 production of The Glass Menagerie on London’s West End. Alli’s acting career was sparked by a teacher who encouraged him to take over a role in a play during detention, ultimately leading him down the path of acting.
In season 3 of Bridgerton, John Stirling is depicted as a reserved and introverted Lord who catches Francesca’s eye during her debut season in society. According to Netflix’s official character description, John has a strong sense of self and a charming, self-deprecating sense of humor. Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca in season 3, shared that her character likes John because he allows her to be herself and provides a sense of companionship that may develop into passion over time.
Netflix and Shondaland have not confirmed who will lead season 4 of Bridgerton, but it is likely that John’s journey with Francesca will continue. The adaptation of When He Was Wicked will showcase John and Francesca’s marriage, their move to John’s ancestral home in Scotland, and their brief newlywed life before John’s eventual death. The first four episodes of Bridgerton season 3 are currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Dodd’s portrayal of Francesca is a departure from Ruby Stokes, who originally played the character. In a Q&A with Netflix, Dodd explained the dynamics between Francesca and John, emphasizing their companionship and the potential for passion to develop over time. The character of Violet, the Bridgerton family matriarch, hopes for love matches for each of her eight children, including Francesca.
As the storyline progresses, fans can expect to see more of John Stirling and Francesca Bridgerton’s relationship unfold in future seasons of Bridgerton. Alli’s performance as John and Dodd’s portrayal of Francesca offer a fresh perspective on their characters’ journey towards love and fulfillment within the Regency era societal norms. The show’s future seasons will likely delve deeper into the complexities of their relationship, their individual growth, and the challenges they face as they navigate the intricacies of love and marriage.
