Spoilers lie ahead for Bridgerton season four.

Netflix viewers who tuned into the latest instalment of Bridgerton were left reeling over the weekend when it was revealed that a new Lady Whistledown has risen to dispense fresh gossip to the Ton.

While Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie (Yerin Ha) were trying to make their love triumph over the social constraints that bound them, Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) was grappling with her own shifting identity. Now, both a Bridgerton and the once-feared Whistledown, she could no longer hide in the shadows as a wallflower.

After admitting to the queen that she could not continue reporting in the way she once had, Penelope laid down her quill to pursue other writing ventures. But to many viewers’ shock, the finale featured the unmistakable return of Whistledown, once again voiced by Julie Andrews.

“Are you perhaps feeling a little shock?” she asked. “You thought I was gone for good, but far too much transpires for this author to remain silent. It is assuredly a reunion rooted in care and love. Though this time with a very different author.”

While the Netflix powers that be are keeping the new Whistledown’s identity firmly under wraps, we have brainstormed the top contenders who could be poised to pick up the pen in season five…

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Cressida Gun (formerly Cowper)© LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

Cressida Gun (formerly Cowper)

In all her sickly pink glory, Cressida (Jessica Madsen) made her return in the final four episodes, this time as the new Lady Penwood after marrying a distant relative of Sophie’s late father. Having previously impersonated Penelope as Whistledown in season three, it would not be a stretch to imagine Cressida attempting a revival, especially after being upstaged by Penelope’s retirement announcement at her pink fete. Plus, her new name is Lady Penwood…

Madame Delacroix, the modiste© LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

Madame Delacroix, the modiste

Madame Delacroix (Kathryn Drysdale) was the obvious choice for Whistledown from the very beginning. As the Ton’s trusted modiste, she’s perfectly placed to overhear society’s juiciest secrets. Although notably absent from season four, she could easily return next time around. And as we know from her carefully crafted French persona, she’s more than capable of keeping a secret or two.

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Alice Mondrich© LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

Alice Mondrich

Alice (Emma Naomi) and her husband Will (Martins Imhangbe) have provided a steady presence since appearing alongside Will’s friend Simon, the Duke of Hastings, in season one. In season four, Alice takes a significant step up in society, largely thanks to Lady Danbury, and becomes one of the Queen’s ladies in waiting. Who better, then, than someone positioned close to the queen, yet still somewhat on the fringes of high society, to take on the mantle of Whistledown? Plus, despite her initial reservations about life at court, Alice has shown she’s not afraid to act when necessary, orchestrating that crucial last-minute meeting between Araminta and Sophie.

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Queen Charlotte© COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Queen Charlotte

I know, I know, this one may sound far-fetched, but no one delights in Whistledown more than Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) herself. When Penelope first asked to be relieved of her gossip-dispensing duties, the queen was adamant she should continue. While her prominence in every room might make wallflower anonymity tricky, Charlotte’s razor-sharp nose for gossip and scandal never fails – it would certainly be the ultimate twist.

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John the footman © LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

John the footman

Lady Whistledown may have always been a woman, but that does not mean the next author must be. This season offered more insight into John (Oli Higginson), the loyal Bridgerton footman, particularly as he assists Sophie and strikes up a flirtatious dynamic with the household maid, Hazel. As someone who escorts the family to countless engagements, John moves through society largely unnoticed, making him one of the most under-the-radar candidates for the role.