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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rebecca Cook

Netflix's Bridgerton star has famous parents - can you spot who?

Bridgerton actress Bessie Carter plays social climber Prudence Featherington, sister to Penelope Featherington, played by Derry Girls co-star Nicola Coughlan.

But while the actress may appear unfamiliar to Netflix fans, most will probably recognise her parents.

The 28-year-old is the daughter of Downton Abbey stars Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton, who is also set to play Queen Elizabeth in the upcoming iteration of Netflix’s The Crown.

The powerhouse acting couple have been married since 1983, and Bessie is their only child together.

Before she was cast in Bridgerton, Bessie had roles in the likes of Les Miserables, The Good Liar - which she appeared in alongside her dad - and Howards End.

Bessie is their only child together. (Dave Benett/WireImage)
The powerhouse acting couple have been married since 1983 (Getty Images)

Harry Potter actress Imelda previously discussed her daughter’s decision to pursue a career in acting, saying: “I feel very fortunate in that I’ve never had that empty-nest feeling because she’s in the business.

“Whereas I was catapulted into the theatre, she’s been born into it, and she's grown up with our mates who are like her uncles and aunts.

“Honestly, there’s nothing nicer than the acting tribe, and knowing she's moved out to be with this extended family feels very good indeed. Jim and I would really like to be at the stage door every night, but you can’t do that.

“You have to keep your distance. The only unfulfilled ambition I have left is for us to one day work together.”

The 28-year-old is the daughter of Downton Abbey stars Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton (LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX)

Meanwhile, when Jim was asked if he would act in Bridgerton with his daughter, he exclaimed on Good Morning Britain: “Do you think I would be disloyal to Downton Abbey?

"My goodness, no. It is far too raunchy for Carson, is Bridgerton. Can you imagine Carson in Bridgerton? Or Jim Carter even?”

However, following the popularity of the first season, Jim Carter later said: “We’re delighted it’s been a huge success. Bessie has had a wonderful time doing it. I’m thrilled on her behalf.”

The first season of Netflix’s Bridgerton focused on Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor, who has her own famous parents in Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor and Emmerdale writer Tim Dynevor.

The first season of Netflix’s Bridgerton focused on Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor (LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX)

Phoebe admitted that they struggled to watch the racy romps together during the first season, so she skipped over those scenes.

But while many young stars might feel embarrassed at the thought of their parents watching them in action between the sheets, having an acting icon for a mum and a dad who also works in the business made things just a little bit easier for Phoebe.

“Luckily they are in the industry so I guess they probably understand more than most,” she told The Mirror. “I think they are really proud to see me work so hard on the show.”

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