The Duchess of York is ready to trade Buckingham Palace for a carriage ride on the streets of Regency London. During a Wednesday appearance on Good Morning Britain, 64-year-old Ferguson playfully declared her desire to join the cast of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton.
"Susanna," she said, addressing co-host Susanna Reid, "let's go on Bridgerton! I think Lady Penelope Featherington could use a friend with fiery red hair, wouldn't you agree?"
With a wink and a laugh, Ferguson concluded, "Well, I'm putting it out there to the universe!"
Bridgerton's recently concluded third season wasn't just about love triangles and societal soirees. It marked a significant transformation for Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan). The season, which dropped its final episodes on June 13th, chronicled Penelope's journey from long-time friend to romantic partner with Colin Bridgerton. But Penelope's evolution wasn't limited to her relationship status. A major change came in the form of her signature fiery red locks.
Coughlan, naturally a blonde, donned a cool $55,000 worth of wigs throughout season 3. However, these weren't just any wigs. Gone were the days of the "sad poodle" hairstyle, as Coughlan affectionately described it in a New York Times interview. Instead, season 3 saw Penelope embrace a sleeker, more sophisticated style. This change resonated deeply with the actress. "It felt like a Pretty Woman moment," she confessed, "They were finally going to let me shine."
The makeover extended beyond just hair. Bridgerton's makeup artist, Jessie Deol, revealed to Allure magazine that Penelope's makeup palette received a softer touch for season 3. Heavy eyeliner and bold colors took a backseat to a more romantic and feminine look. Deol opted for pinks, nudes, and soft browns, paired with fluffy lashes for a touch of glamour.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been an enthusiastic admirer of the Regency romance series Bridgerton since its debut season. In an exclusive interview in January 2021, she revealed, "I was so enthralled by Bridgerton that I intentionally watched it twice. I am absolutely captivated by it."
Ferguson's appreciation for the show goes beyond its compelling plot and breathtaking visuals. She feels a strong connection with the character of Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor. "I find Daphne to be an outstanding character," Ferguson said, "as we see her maneuver through life's challenges. I love how she finds her voice and stands up for herself. This struck a chord with me because, now more than ever, it's essential for women to speak out."
Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) was the first Bridgerton sibling to take center stage in the series, with Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) following in season 2 and Colin in season 3. When Ferguson revealed her admiration for the show, she also provided Us with a glimpse into what to expect in the upcoming episodes.
"I've heard they might be filming future seasons at Sunninghill Park, my former residence, over the next five years," Ferguson shared with Us, highlighting that the sets and costumes are just as "incredible" as the casting and storylines. "The way [producers] Betsy Beers and Shonda Rhimes have brought Bridgerton to life is fantastic, and I was truly impressed."
She added, "I am certainly planning to discuss with Shondaland the possibility of turning Her Heart for a Compass into a TV series."
Ferguson, the author of Her Heart for a Compass published in 2021, has real-life ties to English high society. She was married to British royal Prince Andrew for six years before their divorce in 1996.
Alongside watching Bridgerton season 3, Ferguson, who shares daughters Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 34, with her ex-husband Prince Andrew, 64, has been recovering from two cancer battles. Us revealed in June 2023 that Ferguson underwent a mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis. Several months afterward, she was diagnosed with skin cancer.
"I need to undergo regular check-ups and apply cream to my face to treat past sun damage, resulting in large blisters on my face, chest, and hands for three weeks," Ferguson shared with Hello! earlier this month. "However, I am thankful that I don't need immunotherapy, medication, or chemotherapy."