The true identity of Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown is a key mystery throughout season 1 of the new hit series, but there were definitely a few clues viewers might have missed. Netflix’s adaptation of Julia Quinn’s bestselling Bridgerton books provides a wonderful escape into the world of Regency-era London. Bridgerton Season 1 generally focuses on the romance in Julia Quinn’s first Bridgerton book - The Duke and I - between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings.
But overseeing everything that goes on as the Bridgerton and Featherington families attempt to secure suitable marriages, is anonymous gossip writer Lady Whistledown.
When it comes to secrets and scandals, she seems to know it all. It’s one of the show’s best mysteries. Until, that is, a crucial scene at the end of the series reveals all.
If you have not yet reached the end of the popular period drama or read the book series, then be warned: major spoilers ahead!
But if you have finished watching, these are a few things you might have missed...
So who is Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown?
After teasing the identity of the anonymous gossip columnist Lady Whistledown throughout Bridgerton’s first series, they finally revealed all in the final episode. The true identity of Lady Whistledown is revealed in Julia Quinn’s fourth book in the Bridgerton series, Romancing Mr Bridgerton.
And it’s none other than Penelope Featherington - played wonderfully in the show by Derry Girls’ actor Nicola Coughlan. She is the shy youngest daughter of the Featherington family and Eloise Bridgerton’s best friend. Eloise had been trying to uncover the identity of Lady Whistledown throughout the series.
How did they reveal Lady Whistledown’s true identity?
In case you missed the vital clue, the final scene of episode 8 shows a hooded figure in a carriage. Julie Andrews - who voices Lady Whistledown - narrates Lady Whistledown’s latest gossip newsletter.
Inside the carriage, the figure then lowers her hood and reveals her true identity. To the shock of unsuspecting viewers, it’s revealed to be Penelope.
Whilst this reveal won’t have come as much of a shock to Bridgerton book readers, for many the news that the rather unassuming Penelope is the gossip writer will have been a genuine surprise.
Though the book series holds out until Romancing Mister Bridgerton, showrunner Chris Van Dusen reportedly told OprahMag.com: "It felt right for the season to end where we end. I think it sets up future seasons in a really interesting way that I'm excited about."
Penelope Featherington spends Bridgerton Season 1 trying to catch the eye of Eloise’s brother, Colin Bridgerton. However eagle-eyed viewers might have suspected she was often conveniently placed to know about key events.
She was one of the very few people who knew about Marina Thompson’s pregnancy - a scandal Lady Whistledown exposes. With an unknowing Colin Bridgerton ready to marry Marina, Penelope certainly had a motive to reveal the truth.
Hopefully a second season will soon be confirmed. Then perhaps viewers will come to learn exactly why Penelope decided to write as Lady Whistledown - and what we might see her do next!
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