Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley will both play 'an integral role' in season four of Bridgerton

Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley will both play "an integral role" in season four of Bridgerton.

The actor and actress' on-screen characters are still away in India with their newborn baby, but Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell has confirmed that they will return for part two of the series, which premieres in late February.

Jess told Variety: "We’ve confirmed Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley are both in the season, and if you haven’t seen them in part one, you’re going to see them in part two.

"You’ll have to wait and see."

Jess confirmed that Jonathan, 37, and Simone, 30, will both play a key role in the upcoming episodes.

Jess said: "They do have an integral role to play in terms of being the viscount and viscountess and the elder siblings. And I think it’s lovely to have them back to advise and guide."