Bridgerton star looks completely different in starring role away from show

Bessie Carter to play Prudence Featherington in Netflix drama
Ridgerton star Bessie Carter has landed a starring role in an upcoming UKTV drama – and she couldn’t look more different to her character in the Netflix hit period romance.

While the actress made a name for herself playing the selfish Featherington sister Prudence, who is known for her curly chestnut locks and bold fashion sense, her next character’s look is much more understated.

Bessie will play real-life novelist and journalist Nancy Mitford in the six-part period drama series about the scandalous lives of the Mitford sisters, titled Outrageous.

In a photo taken on the first day of filming, Bessie is seen with a short brown bob, while wearing a dark green velvet jacket and red lipstick.

Written and created by Sarah Williams from Mary Lovell’s biography The Mitford Girls, the series explores the motivations that drive six aristocratic sisters to forge very different paths in life.

The full synopsis reads: “Outrageous is the story of six aristocratic sisters who refuse to play by the rules, whose often scandalous lives make headlines around the world.

“Set against the gathering clouds of the 1930s, hidden by the decadence, vanity and extravagance of British high society, Outrageous will bring the full, uncensored story of the Mitford sisters to the screen for the first time – a tale of family ties and betrayal, public scandal, political extremism, love, heartbreak and even imprisonment.

“The show explores how and why these women, unwilling to conform, were so ahead of their time – and what drove them to follow their very different, complicated and often dangerous paths. A family story unlike any other, this is the real Mitford family: remorseless, absurd and utterly human.”

Starring alongside Bessie in the series, which is currently filming in Buckinghamshire, are Joanna Vanderham (The Control Room) as Diana Mitford, Shannon Watson (The Jetty) as Unity Mitford, Zoe Brough (Casualty) as Jessica Mitford, Orla Hill (Stonehouse) as Deborah Mitford and Isobel Jesper Jones (The Serpent Queen) as Pamela Mitford.

Meanwhile, Toby Regbo (Belgravia: The Next Chapter) plays their brother Tom, with Anna Chancellor (My Lady Jane) and James Purefoy (Malpractice) leading the family as Muv and Farve.

Supporting cast members include Joshua Sasse (Love is in the Air) as Oswald Mosley, Jamie Blackley (Becoming Elizabeth) as Peter Rodd, James Musgrave (Einstein and the Bomb) as Hamish Erskine, Calam Lynch (Bridgerton) as Bryan Guinness and Will Attenborough (Our Girl) as Joss.

Of her role in the film, Bessie said: “I am delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to bring someone as talented as Nancy Mitford to life. She is part of a truly fascinating family of remarkable and unique women, and I am looking forward to telling their story.”

Joanna added: “I am delighted to be bringing the extraordinary, glamorous and controversial Diana Mitford to life. This role presents me with a new challenge as I delve into her character, who was conceived during a turbulent period in British history, the 1930s, and the political climate she navigates is undeniably relevant today.”

The new drama will premiere on U&DRAMA and U, as well as BritBox International in North America in 2025.