Major spoilers ahead for Bridgerton Season 4, Part 2!

The latest batch of Bridgerton Season 4 episodes released on Netflix has taken an emotional turn that is hitting fans of the show hard.

Keep reading to find out more…

In Episode 6 of Season 4, the romance between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek is interrupted by a sudden tragedy that affects a beloved sibling.

Francesa Bridgerton’s husband, John Stirling (played by Victor Alli), dies unexpectedly after what he originally dismisses as “only a small headache.” Francesca discovers him unresponsive shortly after he goes to rest.

The funeral scene sees the family honoring John as a devoted husband and public servant. While the readers of the Julia Quinn novels may have seen this coming, the timing still comes as a shock in the series.

“I can just say, get your tissues ready, because it’s rough. When I visited the set, they were filming scenes and I saw a scene that was—at the same time incredibly joyful and just heart-wrenching—so, yeah, you’re gonna need tissues for part two,” she told Us Weekly ahead of the premiere.

The heartbreaking moment could signal a shift in focus for the show, perhaps leading Francesca to become a central figure in Season 5, following Francesca’s book When He Was Wicked next. Stay tuned!

Find out why one star will never leave the series.