New characters abound as we are introduced to the rest of the Montrose family, and Colbourne’s brother! (Picture: Red Planet/Joss Barratt)
Fans have been treated to some more new pictures from Sanditon season 3 as another clutch of new characters are revealed for what has now been confirmed as the final visit to the seaside resort town.
Originally based on Jane Austen’s unfinished regency novel, the first season was created by period drama maestro Andrew Davies, and returned for a well-received second season this year after a passionate fan petition following its initial cancellation.
The highly anticipated run of final episodes, revolving around the tangled love life of heroine Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) and Sanditon’s inhabitants, is set to air in March in the US, with a UK broadcast following.
The shock finale of season two this summer saw Charlotte return to her family home and abruptly announce her engagement to local famer’s son Ralph Stirling, after an almost-romance with fan favourite Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd-Hughes).
The first batch of season three photos showed Cai Brigden as Ralph, pursuing a relationship with Charlotte, while Lloyd-Hughes’ return has also been confirmed.
Now, though, we have some more new characters to meet – alongside vital information – following actor Edward Davis’ introduction as new character, Lord Henry Montrose.
Samuel Colbourne, a chaming bachelor, visits his brother (Picture: Red Planet/Joss Barratt)
Grumpy investor Rowleigh Pryce is interested in Sanditon’s expansion (Picture: Red Planet/Joss Barratt)
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It turns out there are several more Montrose family members, as well as another Colbourne!
The new arrivals are set to shake up the coastal resort, with Emma Fielding as Lady Montrose, described as ‘the quintessential Austen mother’ with just one objective in mind – the marriages of her children Lydia (Alice Orr-Ewing) and Henry (Davis).
Lydia is an independent young woman, not as eager for a match as her mother, while Lord Henry, seen previously taking a turn at an event with Georgiana (Crystal Clarke), is charismatic and confident, but holds a secret.
Alexander’s lawyer brother Samuel (Liam Garrigan) also appears, described as a charming bachelor and seen sipping a drink, dressed in black.
Charlotte is engaged to Ralph, but it doesn’t seem smooth sailing for the couple (Picture: Red Planet/Joss Barratt)
We’ve seen Lord Henry Montrose interact with heiress Georgiana (Picture: Red Planet/Rob Youngson)
Could he be of help to Alexander though? In a newly released teaser clip for season three, he is seen seemingly encouraging his brother to pursue Charlotte with the words: ‘She is not married yet.’
It also seems all is not rosy between the affianced Charlotte and Ralph, with the young farmer telling his sweetheart: ‘I would sooner live alone than live a lie.’
Finally, wealthy, curmudgeonly investor Rowleigh Pryce is set to make an impact on Sanditon as he expresses interest in teaming up with Tom Parker (Kris Marshall) on the seaside resort’s expansion.
Is Alexander still in the game for Charlotte’s hand? (Picture: Red Planet/Rob Youngson)
Of course, their plans become complicated when Rowleigh runs into Lady Denham (Anne Reid).
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Other familiar faces returning for the new season, with Death in Paradise’s Justin Young back as showrunner, include Kate Ashfield Mary Parker, Jack Fox as delicious villain Edward Denham and Turlough Convery as the affable Arthur Parker.
Colbourne’s ward Augusta Markham played by Eloise Webb returns, with Kevin Eldon as Reverend Hankins and Adrian Scarborough as Dr Fuchs.
Hold onto your bonnets!
Sanditon season three premieres on PBS in the US on March 19, 2023. A UK transmission date on ITV1 is yet to be announced.
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It will be the audience’s final trip to the seaside resort (for real, this time).
