Regé-Jean Page had fans swooning with his portrayal of Simon Basset, a.k.a. Bridgerton’s Duke Of Hastings. His steamy onscreen romance with co-star Phoebe Dynevor, which was the main focus of season one’s story arc, definitely helped heat up the cold winter since the show debuted on Christmas Day.
But as fans eagerly await for Bridgerton’s second season to drop comes a shocking announcement – Regé-Jean will NOT be returning to reprise his role as the Duke of Hastings.
Shondaland’s official Twitter account dropped the news on Friday (April 2), in Lady Whistledown fashion.
“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,” the message reads. “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 tweet was also captioned: “Your Grace, it has been a pleasure.”
Regé-Jean is opening up about his exit from the show – which, apparently, was the plan from the get-go.
Talking to Variety, he recalled how the producers pitched the role to him. “It’s a one-season arc,” he explained. “It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end — give us a year.”
“[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,” he continued.
For those not familiar, Bridgerton is based on an anthology-type series of books by author Julia Quinn. Each book, and subsequently each season of the show, revolves around a Bridgerton sibling’s love story. The first was focused on Simon and Daphne’s (as portrayed by Regé-Jean and Phoebe). The second shifts to Daphne’s brother, who also happens to be Simon’s bestie, Lord Anthony (portrayed by Jonathan Bailey), whom audiences met in season one.
“One of the things that is different about this [romance] genre is that the audience knows the arc completes,” Regé-Jean adds. “They come in knowing that, so you can tie people in emotional knots because they have that reassurance that we’re going to come out and we’re going to have the marriage and the baby.”
Per the outlet, his contract was only for one season – and it appears he’s pretty pleased with how it turned out. He and Phoebe were able to wrap up their characters’ love story arc in swoon-worthy fashion.
“There is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing,” he says.
As for the show going on without him, he says, “I have nothing but excitement for Bridgerton continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe.”
Regé-Jean also went on social media to bid Brigderton farewell.
“The ride of a life time,” he wrote on Instagram. “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 ❤️❤️❤️💫”
Show creator Shonda Rhimes also went on Instagram to say goodbye to the Duke of Hastings. “Remember: the Duke is never gone. He’s just waiting to be binge watched all over again,” she wrote.
