It was no April’s Fool joke. Lady Whistledown officially confirmed the hunk and breakout star Regé-Jean Page will not be returning to the role as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, in Netflix’s big hit series Bridgerton. 

Despite the romantic addiction on screen, the story of the Duke and Daphne concluded with the couple uniting and having a child together in the first season. For readers of the book series, they knew the books served as an anthology for different characters of the Bridgerton family. 

In fact, the actor was only under contract for one season of the show.  

On the Bridgerton’s official Instagram, it stated: 

“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. 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. Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown.” 

The good news is that the message signals Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) plans to make an appearance in season two. No doubt helping her brother with some love advice. 

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Don’t shed any tears for Regé-Jean Page though. 

Despite leaving the show, Bridgerton opened plenty of doors for this up-and-coming actor.  Most recently, he starred in History Channel’s Roots remake and in Sylvie’s Love with Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha. He’ll be in the upcoming Russo brothers’ Netflix film The Gray Man with Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. Finally, he landed the big coveted lead role in Dungeons and Dragons. Not doubt it’s only upwards for Regé-Jean Page. 

As for season two of Bridgerton, it’s based on the second book titled “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” Recently, the production announced Kate Sharma to be played by Sex Education star Simone Ashley. 

Regé-Jean Page wrote on his Instagram to bid Farwell. 

“The ride of a lifetime,” he wrote. “It’s been an absolute pleasure and 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.” 

Netflix reported that Bridgerton is the most watched show on its streaming site with 82 million, which far exceeded its previous conqueror of The Witcher with 76 million. 

Source: Netflix, Bridgerton