Regé-Jean Page, the heartthrob duke of Bridgerton Simon Basset, won’t be back for Season 2.
According to Page, who spoke directly to Variety, his leaving the series was always part of the plan. The actor’s popularity has exploded due to the series and he is now one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood.
The announcement was made on the official Bridgerton Twitter page in the form of Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, a format familiar to Bridgerton fans.
“Dearest Readers, [w]hile 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.”
Your Grace, it has been a pleasure. ???????? pic.twitter.com/kX1nIG8pz7
— Bridgerton (@bridgerton) April 2, 2021
“It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle and end–give us a year,” he said, paraphrasing some of what he was told by producers. “[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.”
Since each book in the Bridgerton novel series focuses on a different sibling each time, it makes sense that Page’s time with the series would come to an end. However, seeing how tons of viewers started watching solely because of Page, fans are now left to wonder how they will cope without seeing Page in the next season. But Page is excited to see where the series will head without him.
“I have nothing but excitement for Bridgerton continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe. But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing,” he said.
In an Instagram post, the actor wrote, “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.”
