‘Bridgerton’ Star Masali Baduza Turns Heads at Netflix’s First-Ever UK Upfront
Netflix brought a serious dose of star power to London this week, and Masali Baduza was one of the evening’s standouts at its first-ever UK Upfront. The streamer used the event in Central London to court brands and advertisers while showcasing what’s next across its British and international slate.
The business stakes were high. It was reported that Netflix’s ad-supported plan now reaches more than 14 million viewers in the UK, according to Barb, which is nearly 1 in 4 people nationwide. Amy Reinhard, Netflix’s President of Advertising, also shared the latest updates to the offering available to brands across the UK and wider EMEA region, according to Netflix.
The talent lineup was stacked. Netflix said guests who joined in person and virtually included Charlie Brooker, Florence Pugh, Keira Knightley, Dolly Alderton, Emma Corrin, Tosin Cole, and the stars of ‘The Inbetweeners 3’, while Hannah Dodd and Baduza represented ‘Bridgerton’.
Baduza quickly became one of the most talked-about arrivals. Photos shared by Film Updates show her in a beige trench-style coat with dramatic white bow detailing at the waist and shoulders, layered over a flowing white tulle skirt and finished with soft pink flats.
Masali Baduza for Netflix Upfront pic.twitter.com/xa4UJNHEyu
— BridgertonUpdates (@bridgertonupd) September 24, 2026
She wore her hair in voluminous natural curls and accessorized with gold earrings and rings, giving the look a romantic, playful edge. Her appearance comes at a pivotal time. Baduza and Dodd are the leads of ‘Bridgerton’ Season 5, which began production outside London on March 24, with Dodd playing Francesca Stirling and Baduza playing Michaela Stirling.
According to Netflix’s official synopsis, the season follows Francesca, the introverted middle Bridgerton daughter, as she reenters the marriage mart 2 years after losing her husband John. When John’s cousin Michaela returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Francesca is left questioning whether to follow her pragmatic plans or her inner passions.
Masali Baduza stuns for the 2026 Netflix UK Upfront 📸 pic.twitter.com/1O8VmxI0A5
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) September 25, 2026
The Hollywood Reporter noted that showrunner Jess Brownell described building an entire ‘Bridgerton’ season around a sapphic relationship as a huge moment for the series. Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria announced during the upfronts presentation that the new season will arrive in 2027, according to Tudum.
Baduza has been open about what the story means to her. “I think that it’s really important Michaela and Francesca have, without giving too much away, hopefully a happily ever after,” she said in a conversation with Netflix Tudum. “I think that’s really important for queer people to see on screen in the show.”
Hannah Dodd & Masali Baduza stun at the Netflix UK Upfront as the leads of 'Bridgerton' season 5. pic.twitter.com/wJdo4PfBL4
— The XO Show ™ (@latenightxoshow) September 25, 2026
She also praised her co-star, describing Dodd as a supportive rock from the very beginning of their friendship. Brownell has echoed that sentiment, calling the pair incredibly talented and special performers.
Born in East London, South Africa, in 1996, Baduza was named a rising star and one to watch by the Royal Television Society in 2019. She landed her first work outside South Africa playing Sephy Hadley in the BBC One drama ‘Noughts + Crosses’ from 2020 to 2022.
Masali Baduza stuns at the 2026 Netflix UK Upfront pic.twitter.com/w0udbKLiPu
— DiscussingMedia (@DiscussingMdia) September 24, 2026
She also appeared as Fumbe in ‘The Woman King’ alongside Viola Davis and as Edith in the 2021 adaptation of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. Now, as she steps into the lead role in one of Netflix’s biggest franchises, her Upfront appearance feels like a glimpse of the spotlight to come.
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