It’s been over a week since smash-hit romantic period-drama Bridgerton landed on our TV screens for its eagerly-awaited third instalment, and apparently, fans are still going wild.

Along with the hoard of already-dedicated fans tuning in this year – many of whom have followed the goings on within The Ton since the show’s debut all the way back in 2020 – there also seems to be a fresh batch of viewers that are jumping onto the Bridgerton bandwagon this time around.

Whether it’s the fact we’ve been desperately hoping for a ‘friends-to-lovers’ arch in the show – with the previous two instalments seeing enemies blossom into partners – or whether Pitbull fans simply couldn’t resist hearing a Mozart-esque remix of his 2011 banger ‘Give Me Everything’, viewers seem more obsessed than ever before.

What many newbies to the show may not yet realise, however, is that amongst the much-loved stars of Bridgerton, there are some characters who are harbouring some secrets behind the scenes…

Already this week, fans were led to believe that Philippa Featherington actress Harriett Cains may be dating Benedict Bridgerton star Luke Thompson, after a series of snaps of the pair together off set began trending on social media.

And in another surprising turn of events, it turns out that there’s another Featherington sister who leads a very interesting personal life away from the show.

Bessie Carter, known for playing fan-favourite Prudence Featherington on the Netflix hit, is not only said to be harbouring a high-profile romance with a cast member – after several photos of her alongside Lord Debling actor Sam Phillips went viral online – but she’s also got some VERY famous parents.

Bessie Carter is the daughter of two British acting veterans. (Netflix)

And honestly, if you’re anything like me, your mind will be blown when you discover who her mother and father are – both of whom are blockbuster British acting veterans.

It turns out that Bessie is the daughter of Harry Potter legend Imelda Staunton, known for having played pretty-in-pink villain Dolores Umbridge in the wizarding world franchise.

Imelda, 68, is also famed around the world for her recent portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s The Crown.

But Bessie and mum Imelda aren’t the only famous faces in the Carter household. Can you think of another with that surname?

Yep, Bessie’s dad is Jim Carter, known for his role in ITV period banger Downton Abbey as butler, Mr Carson, as well as his recent appearances in the likes of Wonka, The Good Liar and Alice in Wonderland.

Bessie is the daughter of Harry Potter’s Imelda Staunton and Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter. (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage)

Bessie, 30, is the big-name couple’s only daughter, born in 1993, ten years after their marriage, the pair having first met on a production of Guys and Dolls in 1983.

And by the sounds of many fans’ reactions, the revelation of Prudence Featherington’s real-life famous heritage has left them utterly flabberghasted.

“Her parents are LEGENDS! No wonder she’s a good actress” one gushed on social media this week.

Another went on: “wait wait wait… Umbrage and Mr Carson are the parents of Prudence Featherington!?!”

“OMG I THOUGHT SHE LOOKED LIKE JIM CARTER AND NEVER EVER MADE THE CONNECTION” a third admitted.

Another added: “So Harry Potter, Bridgerton and Downton Abbey in one family – That’s the most British thing I’ve ever heard.”