Many fans have wondered how Simon, the Duke of Hastings, would be addressed in Bridgerton season 2?
When Regé-Jean Page’s exit from the show was announced last year, it shocked fans of the hit Netflix series. Some thought that he would be written out completely– however, that is not the case.
Although viewers may not see the Duke of Hastings, his presence is felt according to Executive Producer, Chris Van Dusen.
“We do reference Simon,” Van Dusen tells TV Line. “In the very first scene of Season 2, Daphne mentions she left her husband and baby at home [to be there for Eloise’s debut]. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out in terms of Rege being a part of the second season, but he will always be Bridgerton‘s Duke. He’s not going anywhere in the world of the show. And just because we don’t see him, it doesn’t mean that he’s not there.”
Executive producer Rhimes previously told Vanity Fair said she was "really shocked" the fans had such a visceral reaction to Page leaving the show after the first season.
“I was really shocked because usually, that happens when I’ve killed off somebody that’s been around for a while,” she said to the publication. “Like, we didn’t kill him, he’s still alive! [Page] is a powerful, amazing actor and that meant we did our job–every season, our job is finding the right people and putting together this incredible, world-shifting romance.”
As we previously reported Page decided to leave Bridgerton because his contract was only for one year, but he also decided to leave to field other movie acting opportunities that came as a result of his time on the show.
The second season of the show follows Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his quest for love. Charithra Chandran and Simone Ashley play sisters Edwina Sharma and Kate Sharma, two characters who are new to London for the upcoming season of balls and gatherings.
Monique Jones contributed to this report.
