'Bridgerton': Who Is The New Lady Whistledown?

Smash hit Romance series Bridgerton delivered an unexpected twist to fans in the recent season four finale, with the reveal that a new, anonymous writer had taken up the mantle of infamous gossip columnist Lady Whistledown.

In the books by Julia Quinn, Lady Whistledown's identity is revealed in the Fourth book, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, as Penelope Featherington/Bridgerton. However, upon revealing herself, Penelope retires from gossip, and Whistledown is no longer a feature in the later books. In the TV series, Penelope outs herself as Whistledown in season three, but does not retire until the latter half of season four. Sometime after her retirement, Colin's confused husband, Colin, questions her on the arrival of a new Whistledown column. Penelope is equally confused.

Per the showrunners, their reason for creating a new Lady Whistledown was a chance to play with the mystery of Whistledown in a way they had not been able to do in the show before, as thew information from the books was already out there.

So, who is the new Lady Whistledown? There are a few popular theories.

It's still Penelope

When Penelope first makes her request to Queen Charlotte to retire, she points out that having her identity in the open is detrimental to her ability to gather authentic gossip. She is no longer an invisible wallflower the people of the ton unknowingly spread their secrets around.

When Penelope does retire, she does so in a big way at Cressida's ball. Some fans believe this was a ruse, and Penelope 'retired' to regain her anonymity and more easily write the column.

The biggest point against this theory is Colin being unaware. Pen nearly lost Colin over the Whistledown secret in season three. Non-supporters of the theory believe she would let him know, even if she remained anonymous to others. On top of this, Julie Andrews voices the second Whistledown with a slightly altered accent, hinting they are in fact a different person

Eloise Bridgerton

In the first season of Bridgerton, Eloise Bridgerton idolised Lady Whistledown. Admittedly, her relationship with the anonymous columnist has it's ups and downs, especially once she learns Whistledown is her best friend, Penelope, but ultimately decides she still respects what Pen accomplished with the mantle.

Throughout the series, Eloise has railed against societal expectations that she will marry, preferring her books to Balls. Some fans believe Eloise's story has grown stale, and that her taking up the mantle of Whistledown is a way to refresh it, and help the character gain independence. More likely, she will be a Red Herring. In the book Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Eloise is briefly accused of being Whistledown due to regularly having ink-stained fingers. It is later revealed that these stains came from writing letters to her eventual husband, the Widower Sir Philip Crane.

It is possible the show will utilise a similar twist to begin setting up Eloise's lead story in season six.

Alice Mondrich

After a sudden rise in status when her son Nicholas is unexpectedly named the new Lord Kent in season three, Alice Mondrich is granted another in season four when Lady Danbury handpicks her as a new Lady-In-Waiting to Queen Charlotte. Alice at first struggles with her new position, but eventually wins over the Queen by utilising her need to know the best gossip.

Many fans believe that Alice, likely with Queen Charlotte's approval and backing, has taken up Whistledown's pen to continue securing the Queen's favor for herself and her family. The use of a quote in thew new column, originally from Charlotte in reference to Alice, hints at this theory.

"We're going to have so much fun!"

Varley and Lady Featherington

In the first half of season four, Lady Portia Featherington has a falling out with her beloved Maid, Varley, after refusing her request for a raise. This results in Varley briefly leaving Portia's service to work for the Dowager Lady Pembroke, Araminta Gun. This allows Varley to undertake a greater role in storylines involving the various household maids sharing gossip at markets. By the end of the season, Varley and Lady Featherington reconcile, with Portia promising to discuss a potential raise.

We know that Varley has a higher level of education than the average Maid, having helped Portia forge letters in the past. Earlier in season four, Portia attempts to interject in Penelope's Whistledown writings in ways Penelope doesn't necessarily appreciate. It's possible that Portia and Varley take advantage of Penelope's later retirement, rebooting Lady Whistledown as a joint venture to earn Varley extra money. A twang in the new Whistledown's accent suggests that a maid or lower class individual is involved, possibly another hint towards Varley.

Hyacinth Bridgerton

During the majority of Season Four, youngest Bridgerton sister Hyacinth spends most of her time in Finishing Lessons, but is eager to fast track her debut into society, attempting to sneak into Balls on more than one occasion.

Hyacinth witnesses Penelope's retirement as Whistledown when Eloise sneaks her into Cressida's Ball dressed as a Maid. She immediately panics at the news, wondering who will be the new Whistledown, and eventually cover her debut season. Benedict, the only one to recognise Eloise in her Maid outfit, declares someone will take up the mantle, glancing almost pointedly at Hyacinth herself.

Some fans believe Hyacinth took her brother's words to heart, and has taken up Whistledown's pen herself, now knowing that she can escape detection while dressed as a Maid. If so, it will give the character something to do until she eventually grows into her own lead season.

We'll probably have to wait until Bridgerton season five airs, hopefully next year, for some more solid clues. Until then, let the theories continue!