South African actress Masali Baduza to lead ‘Bridgerton’ season 5

South African actress Masali Baduza is stepping into a major global spotlight, with Netflix confirming she and her co-star Hannah Dodd will be the lead stars in the next season of Bridgerton.

Born in KuGompo City (formerly East London) in the Eastern Cape, 30-year-old Baduza will reprise the role of Michaela Stirling, and become one of the central figures in season 5 of the hit series with her romance being in the spotlight.

A FIRST FOR BRIDGERTON

The upcoming season will focus on Lady Francesca Stirling (Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Baduza), introducing Bridgerton’s first major lesbian love story, a significant shift for the popular period drama.

Set two years after the death of Francesca’s husband the storyline follows her return to society and the unexpected connection she forms with Michaela, her late husband’s cousin.

While Baduza agrees with her co-star that she’s “panicked and excited” by the prospect of being catapulted into the spotlight, she adds “we got this!”

FROM SUPPORTING ROLE TO CENTRE STAGE

Baduza first appeared in the series in season 3, with her role expanding in season 4, where we saw a chemistry between the two characters as their friendship flourished. Now, Baduza moves into the lead – a defining moment in her career.

After studying at the New York Film Academy, Baduza made a name for herself in the BBC drama Noughts + Crosses, before landing her Netflix role.

Describing her character, Baduza says Michaela is “independent, bold and confident”, someone who “marches to the beat of her own drum.”

Talking to Netflix’s Tudum, Baduza said: “I’m excited for people to see Michaela yearn for Francesca.”

Bridgerton’s showrunner revealed that Baduza and Dodd have “such a beautiful friendship and support each other in such a beautiful way”.

A PROUD SOUTH AFRICAN MOMENT

Baduza’s casting has sparked an outpouring of support online from friends and fans who are both celebrating her rise and what the role represents. Comments across social media have called the moment “powerful” and “long overdue,” with many simply saying: “We need this.”

Baduza’s journey from the Eastern Cape to being part of the lead couple on one of Netflix’s biggest shows marks not just a career breakthrough, but a meaningful moment for representation on a global stage.

Baduza says: “What we really want to achieve is giving a realistic view of queer love onscreen and [giving the audience] a happily ever after. I think [this] is really important for a lot of the queer community to see onscreen, to know that it can work out, and that they deserve to also feel love.”

Season 5 of Bridgerton is currently in production.