Simone Ashley took centre stage in a scandalous love triangle in season two of Bridgerton, but what other shows has the star been in?
Based on the books by Julia Quinn, the second instalment of the show sees Simone’s character get in the way of a possible engagement, as she believes her sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran) deserves to find a true love match.
The long-awaited regency drama also puts Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) at the forefront as fans followed him on his quest for the perfect viscountess.
Simone’s face was instantly recognisable by some attentive fans, while some fans were shocked to learn that Bridgerton isn’t the only Netflix show she’s starred in.
So who does the 26-year-old play in the period series, and where have you seen her before?
Who is Simone Ashley?
Having grown up in Camberley, Surrey, Simone attended Redroofs Theatre School for sixth form, before training as an actor at Arts Educational School in London.
Speaking over her upbringing, Simone expressed that she knew she was different from her academic parents.
‘Music, film, photography and art were my fortes,’ she told Vogue.
‘They still find it quite scary and unsettling. There is no crystal ball, no security, no guarantee. Which can be a parent’s worst nightmare.
‘But they know I’m a smart lady. You can’t spend your life going with what your parents want, or your friends, teachers, lovers, want,’ she added.
Acting aside, the star can also sing classical opera and can play the piano.
Who does Simone Ashley play in Bridgerton?
Simone starred as Kate Sharma in season two of Bridgerton.
Having moved from India to London, the season follows Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan) catching the eye of Edwina Sharma (Charithra), while her older, unmarried sister Kate is set against the match.
Kate and Anthony’s enemies to lovers trope has had fans in a chokehold, as the building tension and longing looks all came to a head in episode six, titled The Choice.
One moment, in particular, caught people’s attention when Anthony and Kate went hunting.
‘They said no sex scenes this season but Anthony showing Kate how to hold a gun was literally R rated,’ said one fan, while another agreed: ‘The heavy pants to each other’s mouth and Anthony taking in Kate scent honestly hotter than any sex scene.’
Speaking over the slashing of sex scenes in season two, Simone said: ‘They aren’t performative sex scenes or intimate scenes, they have a meaning behind them and I think they’re very earnt when the fireworks happen.
Despite the obstacles and the back and forth jibes, season two ended with Kate and Anthony happily married.
What else has Simone Ashley been in?
Besides Bridgerton, Simone’s other performances have included appearing in Broadchurch, Strike, Doctors, The Sister and Casualty.
Simone is likely best-known for her performance in Netflix’s Sex Education, in which she played Olivia Hanan, a member of a school clique known as Untouchables, aka The Plastics of Moordale.
The Untouchables – which also included Ruby (Mimi Keene) and Anwar (Chaneil Kular), as well as Aimee (Aimee Lou Wood) before she left the group – were regarded as extremely popular, often using their social standing to look down on others.
Simone played the role of Girl Ben Lyke, with the film being nominated for best thriller at the Nightmares Film Festival and winning the best British feature award at the London Independent Film Awards.
Bridgerton is available to stream on Netflix.
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