Oxfordshire's Jonathan Bailey returns in Bridgerton 3

The new series of the hit Netflix show will be split into two batches of four episodes, with Part 1 premiering on May 16, and Part 2 arriving a month later on June 13.

Inspired by Julia Quinn's bestselling novels, Bridgerton tells the stories of the eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family as they look for love and happiness in London high society.

The main storyline of series three will feature the romance between Irish actress Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington, and her long-held crush Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton.

The first season followed the development of a steamy romance between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings (Rege-Jean Page).

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The second instalment centred around the family’s eldest son Viscount Anthony Bridgerton - played by Mr Bailey - caught in a love triangle with Kate Sharma, played by Simone Ashley, and her sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran).

Fans went wild when Mr Bailey, who was born in Wallingford and grew up in Benson, emerged from a lake in a wet shirt inspired by Colin Firth's Mr Darcy in the BBC's 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

The Bridgerton season three trailer offers a glimpse of Anthony and Kate, showing their relationship is still going strong as they share a passionate kiss with very steamy scenes set to follow.

Bridgerton became the most-watched show on Netflix when it launched on Christmas Day 2020, thanks to its risque scenes and opulent costumes and sets.