From Essex to Netflix: The Remarkable Journey of Bridgerton's Hannah Dodd
Hannah Dodd has captivated audiences worldwide since taking on the role of Francesca Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. The 30-year-old actress, who hails from Colchester in Essex, assumed the part from Ruby Stokes and has become a fan-favourite through her portrayal of Francesca's complex emotional arc.
Early Life and Education
Dodd was raised in Leavenheath, situated on the border between Essex and Suffolk. Her educational journey included Ormiston Sudbury Academy, Evolution Foundation College, and ultimately the London Studio Centre, where she honed her skills in drama and dance. She credits her instructors at these institutions for nurturing her artistic ambitions from a young age.
A Foundation in Dance and Modelling
Dancing has been integral to Dodd's life since she was just two years old. At sixteen, she launched a modelling career, using her earnings to finance her dance education. Her modelling portfolio quickly expanded to include prominent retailers such as Primark, Topshop, and Monsoon Accessorize.
In 2014, at the age of nineteen, Dodd secured a prestigious campaign with Burberry, appearing alongside Romeo Beckham. Reflecting on this opportunity, she told British Vogue, "Being able to do the two things I love most - dance and model - for the Burberry campaign was a dream come true." Her modelling career began when a local photographer submitted her photographs to the Select agency, which proved understanding of her commitments to full-time education.
Transition to Acting
Dodd's acting debut came in 2018 with the Hulu series Find Me in Paris, where she played one of the lead characters, Thea Raphael. She subsequently appeared in television shows like Harlots and Anatomy of a Scandal, and secured film roles in Eternals and Enola Holmes 2.
Her breakthrough came in 2024 when she became a series regular on Bridgerton. In May 2025, she made her West End debut, portraying Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre. Dodd expressed her gratitude on Instagram, stating, "I'm so grateful I got to do this and learn from you all each night. You're all magic and I'm your biggest fan forever."
Personal Insights and Family
Dodd has over a million Instagram followers, where she shares updates on her projects and personal life. In March 2023, she honoured her elder sister, Alice, on her 30th birthday, writing, "We're the luckiest to have you and you will forever be the coolest person in the world to me." She also has a brother named Will, though details about him remain private.
Francesca's Character Development
Discussing her character Francesca's journey in Bridgerton, Dodd explained to Radio Times that Francesca is "very inhibited by rules of society and rules she puts on herself and expectations she puts on herself." She highlighted the dynamic with Michaela (Masali Baduza), noting how this relationship challenges Francesca's self-imposed constraints.
Bridgerton season four is currently available on Netflix, continuing to showcase Dodd's compelling performance as Francesca Bridgerton.
