Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester looks nearly unrecognisable in trailer for steamy drama's second season

Gossip Girl icon Leighton Meester appears unrecognisable from her days as Blair Waldorf in the stunning trailer for the highly-awaited second season of the smash-hit period drama The Buccaneers.

Kickstarting on Apple TV+ in 2023, this opulent saga first captured hearts by charting the misadventures of a clique of high society American women during the sumptuous Gilded Age, taking London's aristocratic scene by storm in their bid to snag well-to-do husbands.

Instead of charming the English elites, their brazen and lively antics saw them gaining notoriety as the delightful hell-raisers within the starched collars of London's upper crust.

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Released today (Thursday, 22nd May), the trailer gives viewers a thrilling peek at Meester stepping into the role of Nell – seen imploring Patricia St. George (played by Christina Hendricks) to acquaint her with Annabel 'Nan' St. George (Kristine Frøseth).

The intrigue surrounding Nell has fans pondering if Meester might be playing Nan's natural mother, sending admirers of both previous Gossip Girl shenanigans and The Buccaneers into a frenzy for the next chapter, reports .

On , one fan couldn't contain themselves: "Omd is her mum Blair Waldorf???!!!!"

Over on X (formerly ), the quips kept coming: "the buccaneers season 2 trailer really saved leighton meester until the end like a marvel reveal."

Another enthusiast commented: "SOOOOOO excited for the 2nd season! Really looking forward to seeing Leighton Meester in this season!"

"SO many thoughts... mabel and honoria.... lizzy as a bride... nan standing up to her sister's abuser... leighton meester cameo gagging me at the last second... i love girlhood," read one fan's post.

Another ecstatic viewer exclaimed: "leighton meester at the end WE ALL CHEERED."

Meester, still mingling with America's elite in her latest role, looks unrecognisable compared to her iconic portrayal of Blair in her fleeting appearance.

The Gossip Girl star, always known for her impeccable fashion sense, dazzles as Nell in a sumptuous purple evening dress, her hair styled in sophisticated curls, adorned with striking ruby earrings.

The synopsis for the new series teases: "Now the Buccaneers are no longer the invaders - England is their home. In fact, they're practically running the place.

"Nan is the Duchess of Tintagel, the most influential woman in the country. Conchita (Alisha Boe) is Lady Brightlingsea, heroine to a wave of young American heiresses.

"And Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) is on every front page, wanted for the kidnapping of her unborn child.

"The girls have all had to mature quickly and now must fight to make their voices heard, grappling with romance, desire, envy, childbirth, and mortality... issues that affect women of any age, in any era.

"Last time we got a taste of England. This time we're in for a veritable feast."

Are you ready to see Nan and the Buccaneers stir up more mayhem when they return next month?

The Buccaneers season 2 premieres Wednesday, 18th June on Apple TV+.