Fans of Netflix's smash hit Bridgerton will know Jonathan Bailey as the man behind the dashing and somewhat scandalous Viscount Anthony Bridgerton. 

The Regency romance is set to return to our screens very soon with the focus shifting to the eldest Bridgerton brother and some exciting new faces.

However, you might also recognise the Wallingford actor from other major shows and productions over the years.

Here's everything you need to know about the Bridgerton heartthrob ahead of the period drama's return.

Oxford Mail: Jonathan Bailey. Credit: PAJonathan Bailey. Credit: PA

Who is Jonathan Bailey?

Jonathan Bailey was born in Wallingford on 25 April 1988, making him 33 years old.

The actor grew up in the nearby Benson with his three older sisters.

Bailey was passionate about acting from an early age after seeing a production of Oliver, he told WhatsOnStage in 2012.

Reflecting on the show, he recalled, "I remember announcing to my family something very clichéd like, 'I want to be up there one day.”

He chose to do a degree with the Open University over drama school.

Bailey won the 2019 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his portrayal of Jamie in the 2018 West End revival of Company.

Jonathan is not married and is a proud gay actor who came out in 2018 and has been recently using his platform to draw attention to inequality in the industry.

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Who does Jonathan Bailey play in Bridgerton?

In arguably his biggest role yet, Bailey plays the eldest of the Bridgerton brothers Anthony in the hit Netflix show. 

Last season, we left the slightly controlling Anthony heartbroken as he struggled between his feelings for the opera singer Sienna and his responsibilities as 'the man of the house' following his father's death.

Following the departure of the popular Duke of Hastings (Regé Jean Page), the upcoming social season will follow Anthony's love life as detailed in the second book "The Viscount who loved me" by award-winning author Julia Quinn.

It doesn't look like love will come easy to Anthony as the show's new star and his love interest, Kate Sharma is set to put him through his paces (Simone Ashley).

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What else has Jonathan Bailey starred in?

If you've been sleeping on Bridgerton, you might recognise the Wallingford actor from elsewhere.

Bailey has starred alongside major actors like David Tennant and Olivia Coleman in Bridgerton. 

The 33-year-old played Leonardo da Vinci in the CBBC series Leonardo in 2011.

He then went on to play PSI in Doctor Who in the episode “Time Heist” in 2014.

On top of that, he also appeared in The Bill, Chewing Gum, Me and Mrs Jones and W1A.

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Is Jonathan Bailey on social media?

You'll be glad to hear that Jonathan Bailey is in fact on social media which is perfect for some scrolling to tide you over until the new series drops.

Before you follow the actor on Instagram on the handle @jbayleaf, sitting is advised and swooning is likely.

Bridgerton series two will be available to stream on Netflix from March 25, 2022.