Regé-Jean Page Will Not Be Back for ‘Bridgerton’ Season 2

The famously sexy Duke of Hastings and his extremely attractive body will not be returning for season 2 of Bridgerton, Deadline confirms. Actually, the news comes from none other than Lady Whistledown herself (aka probably someone at Netflix), who wrote:

“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.”

As Deadline notes, Page had only been contracted for one season of the show, and it seems he's got enough on his very busy work plate as it is. Phoebe Dynevor will continue to play Daphne Bridgerton going forward, and her husband, Simon, will simply be referenced in dialogue on the show.

“I’m feeling really excited to go back,” Dynevor told Glamour in January. “After lockdown and not really working much, it feels like a bit of a dream to look back at filming season one. It was a wonderful experience, so to know that's on the horizon is the best news ever.”

Netflix has confirmed that season 2 of Bridgerton will focus on Daphne's older brother Anthony and his love life. His romantic interest, Kate Sharma, will be played by Simone Ashley, who you might recognize from Sex Education.

Well, farewell for now, Regé-Jean! We wish you well as you pull a Matthew Crawley/Dan Stevens and leave your period-drama breakout role for bigger and better things. May you live on forever via subtle references and conversations.

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