ET – Lady Whistledown is going to have a field day with this one.
Regé-Jean Page, one of the breakout stars from Netflix’s hot Regency drama Bridgerton, will not be returning for season 2 as the Duke of Hastings, it was announced Friday on Twitter via a message from the Ton’s gossip maven. Page’s exit from the series is a shocker, as the character of Simon remains a presence throughout the rest of author Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels on which Bridgerton is based.
Phoebe Dynevor, who was one-half of the central couple in season 1 opposite Page, will return as Daphne.
“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. 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.”
Your Grace, it has been a pleasure. #Bridgerton pic.twitter.com/IM1zpeTYyc
— shondaland tv (@shondaland) April 2, 2021