Bridgerton fans are still reeling from the news that Regé-Jean Page will not be back for the show’s forthcoming second series.
As the Duke Of Hastings, Regé-Jean quickly became one of the breakout stars of Bridgerton when it debuted towards the end of last year, becoming a near-overnight household name.
However, despite his popularity with viewers, it was confirmed on Friday afternoon that he had made the decision not to return for series two, in which it was already known that Jonathan Bailey’s character would be taking centre stage.
In a press release which took the form of one of Lady Whistedown’s Society Papers, it was revealed: “While all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscounts, 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 part of the Bridgerton family.”Despite Regé-Jean’s absence, his co-star Phoebe Dynevor will be going nowhere, with the “letter” adding: “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. 💜🐝 pic.twitter.com/kX1nIG8pz7— Bridgerton (@bridgerton) April 2, 2021Needless to say, the news caused quite the uproar among the Bridgerton fan community:I’M NOT OK! 😭🥺 He’s the whole reason I started paying attention to the show in the first place! Please @regejean come back! I’m not finished with you! I BURN FOR YOU! @bridgertonhttps://t.co/fE5B3bS7iI— Lindsay (@Dancerchic122) April 2, 2021I guess I wont be watching the show anymore 💔💔💔 this is so sad he was the main reason we all loved the show https://t.co/EeJ4eC1ie7— BAMBI! EXO🤒 (@taekaisuzy) April 2, 2021WHAT?!?!?!?! WHY!!?? WTF?!? i know they're focusing on the brother the next season but.. WTF??! i'm mad!!! Simon/The Duke was the best!! #bridgertonhttps://t.co/4EFrpBqty0— bombasticl0ve (@bombasticl0ve) April 2, 2021Alright....wtf. I know second season is about the brother but COME ON. Nothing?!?! https://t.co/oUAJf6dBrz— Francesca (@BarstoolFran) April 2, 2021i know the books blah blah blah but NOOOOOOO I NEED HIM https://t.co/yEzFTKKVlr— Lexa (@aledrewHH) April 2, 2021Like...not even a cameo? https://t.co/bkyryLK7Lu— Myles McNutt (@Memles) April 2, 2021wdym? does this even make sense https://t.co/tgNmj4t0eH— Bongiwe (@_bongiwelanga) April 2, 2021And I will now be found in the denial zone. #bridgerton#Season2https://t.co/CJefPVKVeT— Parul Gupta (@me_being_parul) April 2, 2021And neither will we 🙅🏽♀️ how dare they 😒 https://t.co/H5Xjrl643u— Khau🏳️🌈 (@sotho_space) April 2, 2021guess I’m not returning either https://t.co/ZcWpFEbW77— Z. (@zaireadavis) April 2, 2021This makes sense since they're going according to the book series but still nooooooo!!! 😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/wu2rwZpOD0— 🥀 a r i 🥀 (@money4ramen) April 2, 2021April Fools was yesterday. https://t.co/F1OCLEu7G7— sabrina (@strange_mercyy) April 2, 2021Please respect us Bridgerton fans during this difficult time. https://t.co/fmCDr6ZgNb— Nicole Sperling (@nicsperling) April 2, 2021Audience ratings about to plummet to the depths of hell https://t.co/dhHBGMOri1— Hater (@Paperbag211100) April 2, 2021this is not a good friday https://t.co/6NV3Dcsdpo— Ryan Love *NEW ACCOUNT* (@RyanJL74) April 2, 2021Please respect my privacy during this difficult time 😭 https://t.co/MPFnSBHGnn— Sylvia (@SylviaObell) April 2, 2021Reacting to his exit, Regé-Jean tweeted: “Pleasure and a privilege! An honour to be a member of the family – on and off screen, cast, crew and incredible fans – the love is real and will just keep growing.”Pleasure and a privilege! An honour to be a member of the family - on and off screen, cast, crew and incredible fans - the love is real and will just keep growing ❤️💫 https://t.co/YBk4RvKNpx— Regé-Jean Page (@regejean) April 2, 2021It was previously revealed that Simone Ashley – best known for her supporting role in the
Netflix series Sex Education – will take on a major part in Bridgerton when it returns to our screens.
Filming on the second series of the Shondaland period drama is expected to begin soon.READ MORE:Bridgerton's Leading Man Regé-Jean Page On Ripping Up The Period Drama RulebookRegé-Jean Page Tries (And Fails) To Shake Off Heartthrob Reputation In Hilarious
SNL MonologueDid You Spot The HUGE Gaffe In Bridgerton’s Opening Scenes?