Will Anthony and Kate Be in “Bridgerton” Season 3?

If Regé-Jean Page’s (Simon Basset) complete absence and Phoebe Dynevor’s (Daphne Bridgerton) lack of screen time in “Bridgerton” season two is any indication of what’s in store for Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton) and Simone Ashley (Kate Sharma) in season three, it’s best if you don’t get too attached to the onscreen couple. Those well-versed in the “Bridgerton” universe and anthology book series know that each book – and, therefore, each season – follows a different Bridgerton sibling’s love story. As a result, it’s expected that the previous season’s main characters will take a backseat in future seasons. Exhibit A: Daphne and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings.

Nevertheless, fans may be wondering what will become of Anthony and Kate’s love story in season three. Will they move into Aubrey Hall? Will they welcome a child of their own? Here’s what we, and Bailey and Ashley, know so far.

Will Anthony and Kate Be in “Bridgerton” Season 3?

According to our “Bridgerton” crystal ball, it’s more than likely that Anthony and Kate will continue on as characters in season three and beyond. Let’s start with the obvious: Anthony is a Bridgerton and the eldest of his siblings, making him the viscount and head of household. This means he’s responsible for taking care of the family’s finances, including his sisters’ dowries, running Aubrey Hall, and seeing that each of his sisters marries a proper gentleman (ideally someone of noble birth). Marrying Anthony made Kate a viscountess, so she’ll presumably take over a majority of Lady Bridgerton’s responsibilities, such as hosting balls and events, decorating the home, and working closely with the head maid. However, that doesn’t mean that Anthony and Kate will be main characters next season.

Given Daphne’s significantly reduced role in season two, it wouldn’t be presumptuous to say that Anthony and Kate will also fade into the background in the third instalment. The third season is set to follow Benedict – or perhaps Colin, if Shonda Rhimes and “Bridgerton” writers decide to do a switcheroo on fans. Anthony and Kate’s storylines are expected to be less relevant than those of the Bridgertons still awaiting courtship.

Now, if Kate’s sister Edwina returns in season three – which isn’t that far-fetched – Kate’s character might have more screen time. She might not have as much as Anthony, but she’s probably at least get more than Daphne. With season three details still under wraps, it’s too soon to tell how that storyline could potentially play out.

What Do the “Bridgerton” Books Reveal About Anthony and Kate’s Future on the Show?

In terms of “Bridgerton” novelist Julia Quinn’s future plans for Anthony and Kate, the two are still very much a part of the book series. The second book, “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” includes two spoiler-heavy epilogues, both of which jump several years into the future. The first epilogue centres around Anthony’s 39th birthday and – spoiler! – reveals that he and Kate have welcomed a son, Miles. In the second epilogue, readers become privy to all of the Bridgerton couples as they compete in another game of pall-mall. The Netflix adaptation features a spoiler-free version of the second epilogue, showing Anthony and Kate but none of the other betrothed couples.

While the book series alludes to Anthony and Kate’s future life, Rhimes told ET that she and the writers are getting a little “creative” with the “Bridgerton” universe. So make of that what you will.

What Have Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley Said About Returning For “Bridgerton” Season 3?

Both Bailey and Ashley have been very outspoken about their eagerness to continue Anthony and Kate’s love story in “Bridgerton” season three. While Bailey told Digital Spy that they’re waiting to be invited back for a third season, Ashley recently confirmed to E! News that “there will be a post-marriage Kanthony story for sure.” In their joint interview with Digital Spy, Bailey, who’s pretty much guaranteed to come back, hinted that there’s a strong chance Ashley will reprise her role: “Kate is now the viscountess, and once you’re married into the Bridgerton family, you’re married in.”

Speaking with EW, Ashley reiterated her sentiments on Anthony and Kate’s postnuptial bliss in season three. “I’m super excited to see the post-marriage Kate and Anthony, to see them happy. No drama, no scandals – well, season two scandals anyway. I’m super excited to see them super loved up and happy in that sense,” she told the outlet.

When The Sunday Times inquired about which items and gowns Ashley took from set, the actress responded, “I was a very good student. I didn’t take anything. Maybe [in] season three I’ll keep something.”

Bailey pretty much sealed the viscount and viscountess’s fate when he told ET that they intend to be at every wedding. “We’ll be there for the siblings going forward, absolutely,” he said with smile.

So unless Lady Whistledown knows something we don’t, it seems that we can expect to see Anthony and Kate in season three.