Bridgerton, the show known for its steamy romances and lavish period costumes, has sparked heated debate among fans after a surprising twist in the Season 3 finale. The controversy centers around the character of Michael Stirling, who was introduced in the final moments of the season – with a gender-swapped twist.

A Name Change Heard Around the Ton

The final scene of Season 3 gave viewers a glimpse of Earl of Kilmartin John Stirling introducing his cousin to Francesca Bridgerton. In a departure from Julia Quinn's novels, the cousin, originally named Michael, was presented as Michaela Stirling, played by actress Masali Baduza.

This seemingly minor change sent shockwaves through the Bridgerton

fandom, particularly those familiar with the source material. In the books, Michael and Francesca embark on a passionate love affair following John's untimely death. The gender swap, therefore, suggests a significant shift in Francesca's storyline, paving the way for a lesbian romance.

Fans Divided: Outrage and Applause Collide

Online forums erupted with a mixture of excitement and outrage.

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