Simone Ashley Confirms What We Suspected About Her Return To Bridgerton

"Bridgerton" has done it again! Keeping with the record-breaking success of the show's first season, the second installment has become Netflix's most-watched English-language television program, recording over 193 hours of viewing time (per Forbes). While the romantic drama already had a built-in fan base, the addition of the Sharma family to the ton helped solidify the success of "Bridgerton." Simone Ashley, who plays Viscount Anthony Bridgerton's love interest, Kate Sharma, is undeniably the season's diamond — even if her on-screen sister gets this accolade on the show. 

The 27-year-old actress won over viewers with her superb portrayal of Kate's strength, kindness, and deep love for her family. Ashley also helped bring much-needed South Asian representation to the small screen (via Today). After it was announced that fellow fan-favorite actor Regé-Jean Page would not be returning for Bridgerton Season 2, viewers were heartbroken. Now, Ashley's fans are curious as to whether the newly minted Viscountess will take the same approach as Page. Will she appear in the highly-anticipated third season, or is this the end of the line for Kate Sharma? 

Luckily, the "Sex Education" star had an exciting update for "Bridgerton" fans when she was asked about her longevity on the show during a recent interview (via Deadline).

Simone Ashley revealed to Deadline that fans of "Bridgerton" can expect to see a lot more of Kate Sharma, and her relationship with Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), in the future. "We're going to be back! Kate and Anthony are just getting started," Ashley told the outlet. She went on to say, "In Season 2, there was a lot of push and pull between Kate and Anthony, there were complications with the family, and then they find each other towards the end. I think everything is just starting." As for what Ashley would like to see in Season 3, she said she'd "like to see Kate just let go a bit more and play more ... and kind of swim in that circle of love together."

The Surrey-born star added that her character's storyline will hopefully focus on more than just her relationship with the Viscount, especially since Kate will be stepping into new duties as the Viscountess. Ashley said, "I want to keep that softness and vulnerability to Kate, for sure, and she can share that with Anthony. I'm just excited for her to have a home and to have a family. I'm excited to see her grow. I think I'd like to see Kate being much braver and less headstrong and more heart strong." 

Though Bridgerton Season 3 will potentially focus on the love story between Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), we're happy to hear that Kate and Anthony aren't going anywhere (via ET Online).