Bridgerton series 4 has released its four remaining episodes on Netflix, and one major development has puzzled fans.
Penelope Bridgerton (née Featherington), who is played by Nicola Coughlan, had been the individual behind the gossip column persona.
However, in series 4, she decided to put down her pen, but a new anonymous person has seemingly decided to take up the mantle.
In the finale, Penelope and her husband, Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), are left shocked as a new column is distributed across Mayfair.
Showrunner Jess Brownell shared she was excited about this new story thread as it wasn’t a part of the Bridgerton books the series is adapted from.
“Penelope was Julia Quinn’s Whistledown, so we knew we couldn’t really play with that reveal for too long because people could just Google it,” she said to Tudum.
“But now, we get to play with audience expectations.”
Who is the new Lady Whistledown?
Fans have brought up a few ideas on the identity of the new Lady Whistledown, with some thinking it will be Hyacinth.
In a post on the r/Bridgerton Reddit page, a user shared: “I wanna know who everybody thinks is the new Lady Whistledown is now that Penelope is retired because I personally think it’s Hyacinth, but who knows.”
Some agreed as one wrote: “She mentioned wanting to find herself before looking for a husband, and now has the idea to sneak into balls.”
Another concurred, adding: “I think it’s Hyacinth too – that or maybe Varley is airing out everyone’s dirty laundry after hearing so much.”
Not everyone was on the same page, as one shared: “Hyacinth seems unlikely to me: she’s too young and too spooked by John Kilmartin’s death.”
Some viewers guessed it might be Alfie, due to the accent change in Lady Whistledown’s voiceover towards the end.
One person theorised: “It’s Alfie, the lady’s accent change to his toward the end. He is an avid reader.”
In reply, another said: “The change in voice at the end was bizarre and startling”.
Meanwhile, one viewer shared: “Alfie might also be a lovely choice.
“A queer(ish) character, a man, a servant: it might continue the theme about inclusion and diversity, right?”
Other characters that were brought up as possible options included Cressida, Varley, Mrs. Mondrich or an entirely new character.
Who do you think the new Lady Whistledown is? Let us know in the comments.
