Here's the real cause behind John Stirling's death in Bridgerton season 4
A shocking funeral played a key part in the fourth season of Netflix's popular Regency-era series, Bridgerton. For those of you who have yet to complete the second part of the series, which premiered on February 26, tread with caution, as this story discusses spoilers at length.
Francesca's (Hannah Dodd) wail after learning of the passing of her husband is perhaps one of the most unforgettable moments from the most recent season of Bridgerton. While the Internet got Bridgerton fans prepared for the untimely demise of Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli), the scene was nonetheless shocking and devastating.
The series constantly refers to the cause of Lord Kilmartin's demise as a "headache". Even Francesca says in a scene that she never expected to lose her husband to a common headache. However, the question of how a man could succumb to a headache has been buzzing in the minds of all those who have completed the recent season. Netflix, via Tudum and Victor Alli, has given us an answer.
In a recent interview with Netflix Tudum, Victor Alli has confirmed that his character's demise was caused by an aneurysm. Alli revealed that the Bridgerton's creative team confirmed the cause of death to the actor playing the character during the series' production.
In the same interview, Alli also revealed a behind-the-scenes incident. The actor revealed that he attended his character's funeral. Going in cahoots with second assistant director Alexandra Beahan, Alli managed to surprise his co-stars during a grieving day on set. While he wore a kaftan to hide himself from his colleagues, he nearly bumped into Luke Thompson. “It was really, really hard. People are walking about during the break, and everyone was around. Beahan walked me to a hiding place before one of the last shots of filming the funeral scene. I just popped out. I was like, ‘Hi guys!' Then everyone erupted and was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ It was so insane and intense,” he narrated.
Francesca and John had their wedding in the third season of Bridgerton. Although all Bridgerton siblings have their own season, her story with John is a subplot in Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope's (Nicola Coughlan), due to John's demise and Francesca's union with her soulmate. As per the books, she falls in love with John Stirling's cousin, Michael Stirling, who has been changed to Michaela (Masali Baduza) in the series by Shondaland.
At the end of season 4, Michaela leaves despite Francesca's request for her to stay around for longer. Meanwhile, during Sophie and Benedict's wedding, the Bridgerton siblings are seen discussing marriage and who is on board to tie the knot next. While Eloise says she's happy to be an attendee, Francesca says she has already experienced great love and that one is enough for her. This has indeed made it unclear whether the next season of Bridgerton will revolve around Eloise or Francesca.