Say hello to the new female lead in Bridgerton season two. The new seasons focuses on Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his search for love and he certainly meets his match with Simone Ashley's new character Kate Sharma. Here's everything you need to know about Simone Ashley...
Who does Simone Ashley play in Bridgerton?
Simone plays new character Kate Sharma, who arrives in the Ton with her younger sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran) and mother Lady Sharma (Shelley Conn). Kate is much pricklier than season one's heroine Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor). According to the season two show notes, Kate is a 'smart, headstrong young woman who suffers no fools - Anthony Bridgerton very much included.' Bridgerton author Julia Quinn has said she couldn't think of anyone 'more perfect' to play Kate. Praise indeed.
What has Simone Ashley been in before?
The 26-year-old British actress is best known for playing reformed 'mean girl' Olivia Hanan in Netflix's Sex Education. She has also appeared in series three of Broadchurch and had a small role in Pokémon movie caper Detective Pikachu.
Where is Simone Ashley from?
Born to Tamil Indian parents, Ashley is from Surrey and grew up playing the piano as well as singing classical music and opera. Ashley attended Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead and went on to train in acting at Arts Educational School in London.
Is Simone Ashley on Instagram?
Yes! If you want to keep up with the actress, you can follow her on Instagram @simoneasshley.
Bridgerton S2 starts on Netflix 25 March
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