Bridgerton star Ruby Stokes confirmed for lead role in new period drama
She joins the previously announced Callum Scott Howells.
![ruby-stokes Ruby Stokes wearing a yellow blazer and black and white shirt and trousers, looking ahead.](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/08/ruby-stokes-edffee9.jpg?quality=90&resize=980,654)
Bridgerton actress Ruby Stokes will be starring alongside Rupert Everett in a brand new period drama, Madfabulous.
Said to be a "fantastical reimagining set in the late 19th century", the film is inspired by the life of the fifth Marquess of Anglesey.
As per the synopsis, Madfabulous will follow the "outrageous Henry Paget, a flamboyant character, so ahead of his time that he smashes through society's protocols of elitism and gender".
It continues: "Known for his gregarious theatrical expressions, exuberant sense of fashion and lavish social life, Paget spent a multi-million-pound fortune before his untimely death at age 29."
It was announced earlier this year that Callum Scott Howells (It's a Sin) would star as Henry Paget, and Stokes will feature alongside him as Henry's best friend Lily.
More like this
![callum-scott-howells Callum Scott Howells wearing a white vest, brown leather jacket and black trousers, holding a flute.](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/08/callum-scott-howells-a015873.jpg?quality=90&fit=700,467)
Stokes previously starred in the first two seasons of Bridgerton as Francesca Bridgerton - however, she exited the series due to scheduling conflicts as she helmed Netflix's Lockwood & Co.
Further casting includes Paul Rhys (Napoleon), Louis Hynes (A Series of Unfortunate Events), Louise Brealey (Such Brave Girls) and Tom Rhys-Harries (The Gentlemen).
Read more:
- Ilana Glazer on importance of Babes: "We’ve been erased in our story"
- Girls and The Handmaid's Tale stars cast in next adaptation of a Colleen Hoover book
"We have an embarrassment of riches in front of and behind the camera on this Madfabulous film," director Celyn Jones said.
"It's wonderful to be telling this story, this way, right here and now. Henry was a true original and deserves this reimagining, revisiting his legend with a disco lens and a punk heart."
Rounding out the cast is Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls), Guillaume Gallienne (The Regime), Steve Speirs (Afterlife), Kevin Eldon (Trigger Point), Ian Puleston-Davies (Pennyworth) and Roger Evans (House of Dragon).
Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.