Lady Whistledown announces: Regé-Jean Page won't be returning for Bridgerton's second season

• British-Zimbabwean actor Regé-Jean Page won't be returning to Bridgerton for a second season.
• Lady Whistledown made the announcement: "We bid adieu to Regé-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings."
• The heartthrob, who played a massive role in the show's success, said it was a "pleasure and a privilege" to have been part of the Netflix hit.

It's with great disappointment that we have to announce that Regé-Jean Page, the Duke of Hastings, won't be returning for a second season of Shondaland’s hit Netflix series, Bridgerton. 

Lady Whistledown made the announcement herself on social media.

"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 part of 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 many readers may be able to bear."

The 31-year-old star responded to the announcement on Twitter, saying: "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. [sic]"

According to a report by Deadline, Regé-Jean Page "had only been contracted for one season, and the plan was always for him to only do Season 1, based on the first Bridgerton book, The Duke And I, sources said. His character will be referenced going forward though he won’t appear".

Bridgerton, which has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is a period drama series created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes. It is based on Julia Quinn's novels set in the competitive world of Regency era London's ton during the season, when debutantes are presented at court.

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