Will Eloise and Philip be the next lead couple in Season 5 of Bridgerton?

Philoise lovers, stand up! Netflix dropped new Bridgerton Season 4 photos on March 28, and one of them may be a hint that Eloise and Phillip’s romance will be the focus of Season 5.

Philoise fans, it might finally be your time to shine.

With the release of new Bridgerton Season 4 images on March 28, the internet is buzzing with speculation that Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) and Sir Phillip Crane could be the central romance in Season 5. While Netflix has yet to confirm the next leading couple—or even officially renew the show for a fifth season—there are compelling clues pointing toward a possible Philoise arc in the near future.

Let’s dive into the evidence and fan theories swirling around the ton.

A Clue in the Costumes?

Among the newly released Season 4 stills is a seemingly ordinary image of Eloise and her former best friend Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) walking together through town. At first glance, it might appear like any other scene between the two. However, Bridgerton fans have learned to read between the lines—or, in this case, the threads.

Eagle-eyed viewers noticed that Eloise is dressed in a striking long coat with a pattern that resembles wood grain. This detail has sparked curiosity and speculation across social media platforms, with many fans interpreting the coat’s natural motif as a symbolic nod to Phillip Crane’s background as a botanist. It may be subtle, but in a show known for its rich symbolism and costuming choices, no detail goes unnoticed.

Meanwhile, Penelope dons a soft pink floral coat—perhaps a gentle reminder of her budding romance with Colin Bridgerton, which is expected to take center stage in Season 4. But the real intrigue lies in Eloise’s nature-themed outfit, hinting that her season could be just around the corner.

Who Is Sir Phillip Crane?

To fully understand the excitement, we need to revisit the source material. In Julia Quinn’s fifth novel, To Sir Phillip, With Love, Eloise is the protagonist. The book chronicles her unexpected correspondence with Sir Phillip Crane, a widowed botanist who lives at Romney Hall with his children. Phillip, who studied at Cambridge and spends much of his time in his greenhouse, is practical and grounded—quite the contrast to the witty, outspoken, and fiercely independent Eloise.

After a series of letters, Eloise spontaneously decides to visit Phillip in person, setting off a series of events that change both their lives. Their love story is filled with tension, miscommunication, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of self and partnership. For fans of the show, it’s a romance that promises emotional depth and a refreshing departure from the ton’s typical courtships.

What About the Show’s Timeline?

While the books offer a roadmap, Bridgerton has never been strictly loyal to the original publication order of the novels. Season 1 followed Daphne’s story (The Duke and I), Season 2 focused on Anthony (The Viscount Who Loved Me), and Season 3 is set to follow Penelope and Colin (Romancing Mister Bridgerton), which was originally book four.

If the series continues to follow the novels in a flexible yet roughly sequential way, then Eloise’s story should be next in line—especially as Benedict’s (An Offer From a Gentleman) and Francesca’s (When He Was Wicked) arcs have been teased but not fully explored yet.

That said, Francesca’s story may throw a wrench into things. In Season 3, Francesca Bridgerton (played by Hannah Dodd) is set to marry John Stirling (Victor Alli), which aligns with her novel’s plotline. Given this major development, many fans believe she could leapfrog to the forefront of Season 5, especially if producers feel her narrative is better suited for the next chapter.

What Has the Showrunner Said?

Although Netflix hasn’t made anything official regarding future seasons, showrunner Jess Brownell is already thinking several steps ahead.

In a recent interview with Variety, Brownell revealed: “Shonda [Rhimes] and I have talked about who Season 5 is and who Season 6 is. We haven’t talked beyond that. If we are lucky enough to have a Season 6, we want to just have that plan, so we know where we’re headed.”

While Brownell didn’t confirm whether Eloise is next, the fact that the next two leads have already been selected behind the scenes suggests the creative team has a clear vision. Whether that includes Philoise remains to be seen—but the groundwork is certainly being laid.

Why Philoise Would Be a Bold (and Brilliant) Choice

Eloise is one of the show’s most complex and beloved characters. Her sharp wit, strong sense of independence, and reluctance to conform to societal norms make her a standout in a world obsessed with debutantes and duchesses. Pairing her with a quiet, introspective widower like Phillip would provide rich dramatic contrast—and offer viewers a deeper, more mature romance.

Additionally, their story also tackles more challenging themes, such as grief, parenting, and emotional healing. This would allow Bridgerton to evolve beyond its standard romantic arcs and into more layered storytelling.

Given the increasingly adult tone of the later seasons and the show’s interest in portraying different forms of love, a Philoise season could hit all the right emotional notes.

While Netflix has yet to renew Bridgerton for a fifth season—or confirm its lead couple—signs are increasingly pointing toward Eloise and Phillip taking center stage next. From symbolic costume choices to the show’s trajectory following the book series, everything seems to be aligning for Philoise to have their moment.

Until then, fans will have to keep a close eye on Season 4—and keep fingers crossed that Season 5 brings us letters, greenhouses, and one unforgettable love story.