Regé-Jean Page will not return for second season of 'Bridgerton'
Netflix's Bridgerton breakout star Regé-Jean Page, who played Simon, the Duke of Hastings, is bidding adieu to the show and will not return for Season 2.
The news was announced in Lady Whistledown's Society Papers saying that Page’s character will be leaving the show.
"Dearest readers, while all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton's quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Regé-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings," Lady Whistledown wrote.
"We'll miss Simon's presence on screen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family," it continued. "Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer—more intrigue and romance than my readers may be able to bear."
Page has responded to the news, sharing a photo of himself riding a horse. He called his experience "the ride of a lifetime."
"It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke. Joining this family—not just on screen, but off screen too. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans - it’s all been beyond anything I could have imagined. The love is real and will just keep growing," he added.
Television producer Shonda Rhimes of Shondaland also posted a tribute to Page on social media, saying "Remember: the Duke is never gone. He’s just waiting to be binge watched all over again,” Rhimes wrote.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Variety, Page finds charm in the one-season arc storyline of the show. "[I thought] 'That’s interesting,' because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on."
"I have nothing but excitement for Bridgerton continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe,” he says. “But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing."
Much like the book, the series is like an anthology, wherein each season is dedicated to a different family member's story. Bridgerton’s second season will focus on the oldest of the Bridgerton clan, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), and his love story.
Photo from Netflix