Regé-Jean Page, who played Simon Basset, the lead male character in Netflix’s hit drama “Bridgerton“, will not return as the Duke of Hastings in Season 2.
The famous gossip column that narrates the show’s storyline, Lady Whistledown’s “Society Papers”, announced this news on Friday.
In a statement released by the show that reads: “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,” in the style of the anonymous narrator voiced by Julie Andrews.
“We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.”
After revealing the series, Page rose to become an immediate star for playing the alluring yet unattainable Simon Basset.
He won an NAACP Award for his characterization.
He also recently hosted “Saturday Night Live” and is soon to star in Netflix’s “The Gray Man” and Paramount’s “Dungeons & Dragons.”
Page posted an image of himself riding a horse on set with the caption “the ride of a lifetime,” in response to the development.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke,” he wrote.
“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.”
The statement also revealed Phoebe Dynevor‘s fate. She played Daphne Bridgerton, the star of the series. The actress will continue her role for Season 2, which will focus on the love life of her eldest brother, Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey.
“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,” Netflix said.
“Yours truly, Lady Whistledown.”
Netflix announced that the commercially successful show returns for a second season in January.
Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn’s book series set in the extravagant world of Regency-era Londo. It became the most-watched series on Netflix, with a record viewership of 82 million households in its first 28 days.
Production for the second season is to begin this spring.
My homegirls will not like this
This show is over-hyped
Waoh