'Bridgerton' star Regé-Jean Page will not appear in Season 2
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Farewell thee, Duke of Hastings.
Some bad news for everyone who fell in love with the Bridgerton series during this lockdown. Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, will not appear on the show's upcoming second season.
As revealed by Netflix via a notice 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.
“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.”
News of the duke's departure seemed to shock fans and celebrities alike as many fans wrote how they will miss the character, who played a huge role in the first book of the series.
However, the British-Zimbabwean star didn't seem at all fazed by it as he charmingly bid adieu to his character that launched his name a thousandfold over the last few months.
He told in an interview for Variety, “It's a one-season arc. 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.”
On his personal Instagram, Regé-Jean described his stint as a “ride of a lifetime” and added how equally grateful he is for the love he has received from the cast, the crew, and their fans.
“It's been an absolute pleasure and privilege!” he said.
“Joining this family -- the connection on and off-screen, with our cast, our crew, all the incredible fans, has been like nothing I could have ever imagined -- the love is real and will just keep growing.”
Shondaland boss Shonda Rhimes paid tribute to the actor on social media after news broke of the character's departure in the series.
“Remember: the Duke is never gone,” she said.
“He's just waiting to be binge-watched all over again. #ShondalandMenOnNetflixAreForever”
As hinted in Lady Whistledown's post, the second season will focus on the oldest Bridgerton clan, Anthony (played by Jonathan Bailey), and his quest for love. The series will revolve around the second book of the Julia Quinn's series, titled “The Viscount Who Loved Me.”
Meanwhile, check out Andrea Torres's Bridgerton-inspired photoshoot here:
