Bridgerton bosses boost the budget for series four as they recreate Bath's iconic Royal Crescent in Surrey - after its two lead stars were revealed
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Bridgerton bosses have pulled out all the stops for its much-anticipated fourth series by recreating one of the show's biggest landmarks at a studio in west London.
In previous years the show has filmed scenes at famous hotspots such as the iconic Royal Crescent in Bath, but for its new episodes, have created a huge mock-up of the landmark at Shepperton Studios in Surrey.
Sources have also claimed that it's hoped the use of sets will make filming much easier, as it removes logistics such as closing off key locations for production.
It's also hoped that the use of sets will entice more A-List stars to join the cast, with bosses reportedly putting in the same financial backing as they did for their big-budget period drama The Crown.
A source told The Sun: 'This is a huge investment for Bridgerton which is filming its fourth series.
Bridgerton bosses have pulled out all the stops for its much-anticipated fourth series by recreating Bath's famous Royal Crescent at a studio in west London
For its new episodes, a huge mock-up of the landmark (left) has been built at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, with the crescent (right) a fixture of the show's first three series
Last week, Netflix confirmed that production was underway for Bridgerton's fourth series, which is set to focus on the romantic exploits of the second son Benedict
'The fact they have spent millions on the new set suggests there will be many more seasons of the Netflix drama to come too.
'It's a similar commitment to when the streamer was making The Crown, which saw landmarks like Downing Street and Buckingham Palace built. And that Netflix period drama went on for six series.'
Aerial images of the new set show how a life-size replica of the famous Royal Crescent has been erected, and in the series it will be used as the backdrop for the Featherington residence.
The new set also features Madame Delacroix’s shop, plus several other streets and buildings that will be familiar to fans.
Last week, Netflix confirmed that production for fourth series of Bridgerton is well underway, with the news that Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich) and Hugh Sachs (Brimsley) will be part of the main cast this season.
The new series will focus on the second Bridgerton son, Benedict (Luke Thompson) and his quest to find the mesmerizing Lady in Silver, Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).
Sophie has been forced to spend much of her life working as a maid for the most demanding employer in the ton.
But the resourceful maid always finds a way to persevere through her circumstances - circumstances which will drastically change after she disguises herself to attend Violet Bridgerton's masquerade ball.
Sources have also claimed that it's hoped the use of sets will make filming much easier, as it removes logistics such as closing off key locations for production
It's also hoped that the use of sets will entice more A-List stars to join the cast, with bosses reportedly putting in the same financial backing as they did for big-budget drama The Crown
A source told said: 'This is a huge investment for Bridgerton, which is filming its fourth series'
The insider added: 'It's a similar commitment to when the streamer was making The Crown, which saw landmarks like Downing Street and Buckingham Palace built'
Aerial images of the new set show how a life-size replica of the famous Royal Crescent has been erected
The new set also features Madame Delacroix’s shop, plus several other streets and buildings that will be familiar to fans
The new series will focus on the second Bridgerton son, Benedict (Luke Thompson) and his quest to find the mesmerizing Lady in Silver, Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha)
Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down - until he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at the ball - little does he know that its Sophie.
Yerin is a Korean actress from Australia and revealed her character Sophie Baek was given a Korean surname out of respect for the actresses' culture.
The character’s name in the original Julia Quinn book series is Sophie Beckett.
Speaking about the decision, she shared: 'A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and that’s why changing a name can be so powerful.
'To make Sophie’s name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit to Jess Brownell, our showrunner.
'It’s a really nice way for me to feel like the role is fit for me, rather than me having to fit a certain mold. It’s amazing what it can do just in a psychological sense. So it means a lot that Jess did that for me.'
After being promised the 'steamiest season yet', Bridgerton fans were left somewhat disappointed by the lack of regency romps in part one of season three
Yet show bosses have more than delivered with part two of the period drama, with episode five of the series featuring a six-minute-long sex scene
Announcing the news, Netflix released a teaser trailer showing Sophie rifling through costumes for the ball.
Yerin got her breakthrough role as Kwan Ha in the sci-fi series Halo two years ago.
Ahead of taking on this season's lead role Luke said of his character: 'Benedict has always been a little lost — or free depending on the way you want to look at it. But now he's trying to find something a bit more solid in himself.'
Creator Shonda Rhymes added: 'He's a charming man who's trying to find his way. He's very delightful and funny. I'm excited for everybody to watch him.'
Netflix also released a short video as the announcement was shared of Luke accepting Benedict's prominent future.
It shows him opening a door and being handed a suit to wear to a masquerade ball - a hint at where his journey will begin in the series.
It is not yet revealed when production will start on season four.
After being promised the 'steamiest season yet', Bridgerton fans were left somewhat disappointed by the lack of regency romps in part one of season three.
Yet show bosses have more than delivered with part two of the period drama, with episode five of the series featuring a six-minute-long sex scene between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).
