Regé-Jean Page says bye to “Bridgerton”, celeb, news, OTT, rege-jean page, theHive.Asia

Fans of the Duke of Hastings will be saddened to know that the rake Simon Basset that is Regé-Jean Page will not be returning for Season 2 of the Netflix Regency Era drama, “Bridgerton”.

The news was revealed by Shondaland and Netflix via a message from the show’s Lady Whistledown, which read, “Dear 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.”

“We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family. 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.”

Lady Whistledown shocked the world with the announcement that the Duke won’t be returning in Season 2

Page and Phoebe Dynevor played Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton

Page himself has admitted that the reason why he said yes to the role in the first place was because it was supposed to be a short-term commitment.

“It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year. [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,” he said.

Page also bid his farewell on Instagram writing, “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.”

Rege-Jean Page bids his adieu on Instagram

On the other hand, Nicola Coughlan, the actress who plays Penelope Featherington in the series, recently responded to Page’s withdrawal from the show by assuring fans that there is more to come.

“Season One was just the tip of the Bridgerton iceberg, just you wait to see what we have in store… And you can trust me, I would know after all,” she wrote.

Nicola Coughlan (right) plays a vital role in the first season and (possibly) seasons to come

However, those who have read the books by Julia Quinn would already know that the second season will be focused on Anthony Bridgerton’s own love life, with the story of the Duke and Duchess of Hastings taking a backseat.

Season 2 will be focusing on Anthony Bridgerton; Jonathan Bailey (back, middle) with his Bridgerton siblings

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