Regé-Jean Page Won’t Be In The Second Season Of ‘Bridgerton’

Ever since “Bridgerton” first aired on Netflix, Regé-Jean Page has been a fan favorite. Many of us were hooked on the series because of Page’s sizzling performance, and the show’s thrilling storyline. 

Although “Bridgerton” fans are highly awaiting season 2, many are upset to learn that Page will not reprise his role as Simon Basset the Duke of Hastings in the upcoming season. Shondaland shared the disheartening news on social media through a note from Lady Whistledown. 

“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,” Lady Whistledown’s note began. “We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, 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.”

While this reveal seems like a shock to “Bridgerton” super-fans, those fans of the book series that the show is based on may already have been prepared for this occurrence. Since “Bridgerton” is an adaptation of the Julia Quinn novels, and the majority of Page’s character plays out in the first novel “The Duke and I,” Page’s removal from the show is plausible. The remainder of Quinn’s novels chronicles the lives of different siblings of the Bridgerton family, leading the show to do the same.

With that being said, Page was fully aware that his time as the Duke Of Hastings would be short lived.

As noted by Variety, “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year,” Page says, recounting early conversations with Shondaland producers, who approached him about the role of Simon after “For the People” wrapped up. “[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.”

Nevertheless, Page was thankful for the opportunity, sharing his gratitude for being chosen to be the Duke in an Instagram post. 

“The ride of a life time,” Rage began in his Instagram caption. “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.”

While the story of the Duke has ended, Anthony Bridgerton’s story is just beginning. The upcoming season “will focus on the oldest of the Bridgerton clan, Anthony (played by Jonathan Bailey), and his quest for love. Based on the second book in Quinn’s series, titled “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” according to Variety.