Bridgerton’s new leading lady Yerin Ha seen on set for first time – with another star making a surprising return
BRIDGERTON newcomer Yerin Ha maintains an air of mystery as she hides behind a bejewelled mask in scenes that will not air until 2026.
The actress — who joins the Netflix Regency romp as Benedict Bridgerton’s love interest Sophie Baek — is filming for the hotly anticipated masquerade ball in this first look at her on set.
At one point, Yerin covered her embellished gown under a grey blanket to stay warm between takes outside Ranger’s House in Blackheath, South East London.
Fans of the books on which the TV drama is based will know the ball is pivotal in the plot, as it’s where Sophie and Benedict meet for the first time.
Luke Thompson, who plays the hunk, smouldered in black as he lingered outside the mansion waiting for his scenes.
Our images reveal that, despite having been banished to the countryside at the end of series three for her part in Lady Whistle-down’s deception, scheming Cressida Cowper is also back.
‘Feels like a dream’
Jessica Masden, who plays the socialite, was spotted on set in an off-the-shoulder pink gown with matching mask, filming series four.
It comes after Yerin, who is best known for Paramount+ series Halo, shared how even wearing the costumes feels like a dream.
The Korean-Australian actress said: “I never saw myself wearing clothes from the Regency period. I never saw myself in that kind of role.
“Even trying them on has been so new and fresh. It’s really refreshing and I feel really honoured.”
Since launching, Bridgerton has been lauded by critics for its so-called “colour-blind” casting.
During her first interview since landing the part, Yerin said: “When I got the role I was having break-fast with my mum in Korea, so I stepped outside and then I was jumping around the streets.
“Mum came out crying and then she was like, ‘I think I’ve got to go home, I’ve got indigestion!’ I don’t think there are enough words in the dictionary to describe how it feels.”
PETE WILL BANISH BEDTIME DEMONS
PETER Capaldi is back as disturbing villain Gideon Shepherd in Prime Video’s supernatural crime drama, The Devil’s Hour.
Series two follows Gideon as he helps his ex-nemesis, detective Lucy Chambers (Jessica Raine), by using his ability to know the future.
And surprisingly, despite its spooky undertones, he reckons the psychological thriller is perfect viewing to give you a good night’s kip.
He said: “It can be quite satisfying to watch before you pop off to sleep.
“There are volumes to be written about how people felt when lockdown started, but when that ended, there was appetite for something a little darker that, at the same time, could be a balm.
“Shows like this, which are scary and cosmic, but removed from reality…”
He added: “I don’t like things about real serial killers. I don’t want to be reminded of the real horrors of the world.
“But all the horrors Gideon discusses are fictional, which gives people a chance to enjoy being scared and made to feel at ease.
“That’s always popular.”
The new series begins on October 18. A third season has already been commissioned.
CURRY ON RY 'N' ROB
RYLAN Clark has confirmed my story that he and Rob Rinder will visit India for their next travelogue.
The TV host shared this selfie with reality star pal Rob and spilled the beans on series two of their BBC hit The Grand Tour. He wrote online: “So excited we’re back for season two, and off to India.
“Bumped into each other yesterday. We can’t wait until we get going for S2.”
And Rylan joked: “I’ll try not to kill him.”
The series, A Passage To India, is inspired by E.M. Forster’s 1924 novel of the same name. Their previous outing, exploring Italy, was a big success so I’m sure the next will not disappoint.
REN BOY NOT UP TO SPEED
RENEE Zellweger is back as film favourite Bridget Jones – but the American’s Brit boyfriend admits he hasn’t the foggiest about what she is up to on set.
TV presenter Ant Anstead said of Renee’s latest flick Mad About The Boy: “I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to get across the plot, but I believe it’s closely related to the book – which I’ve not read.”
For The Love Of Cars host Ant is instead busy preparing for his new TV series The Naked Mechanic, which will broadcast on Quest and Discovery+ from October 24.
Meanwhile, Renee’s latest movie outing sees unlucky-in-love Bridget dealing with the death of her beloved Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth.
Raising two children without him, she becomes linked with new bloke Roxter, played by One Day star Leo Woodall.
CHARLIE PROVES HIS METAL
CHARLIE COOPER’s love for all things legend has been revealed in his new series, Myth Country.
The star of This Country grabs his metal detector to hunt King Arthur’s treasure in the BBC Two series, which explores bonkers British folklores, from crop circles to demon dogs.
At the show’s launch Charlie said: “Since doing the episode, I have become obsessed. I’ve upgraded my detector and been out on rallies to do detecting. I haven’t found cool coins but found a Tudor belt buckle.
“You piece together a story – with mine it’s some weary peasant who lost his buckle and is walking round holding his trousers up, poor bugger.
“Touching something that hasn’t been touched for 500 years is amazing.”