Rege-Jean Page not returning for ‘Bridgerton’ S2

News of the duke's departure will likely not come as a surprise to fans of the Julia Quinn novels on which the series is based, as the character's storyline largely plays out in the first book titled The Duke and I.

It’s a sad day for Bridgerton fans! Breakout star Rege-Jean Page is not returning for the second season of the hit Netflix series. The actor who played the role of the dashing duke has departed the series.

On the show’s Instagram and Twitter pages, a letter penned by Lady Whistledown confirmed on Friday that the Netflix hit will move on with the second season without Page, who played Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings.

“Dear Readers, while all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Rege-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings,” the note began. “We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family,” it continued.

The letter noted that Phoebe Dynevor, who played the Duke’s love interest Daphne Bridgerton, will return. “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,” the note concluded.

Page addressed the news on Instagram with a photo of himself on horseback as the Duke. “The ride of a life time,” he wrote, describing his experience of working on the romance drama series.

He added, “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.”

News of the duke’s departure will likely not come as a surprise to fans of the Julia Quinn novels on which the series is based, as the character’s storyline largely plays out in the first book titled The Duke and I.

Meanwhile, Page is next set to appear in the films The Gray Man and Dungeons and Dragons. He has sparked rumours about taking over the coveted role of James Bond after actor Daniel Craig steps down later this year.