Bridgerton breakout Regé-Jean Page won't return for Season 2

Deadline

The Netflix series broke the news that Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, won't return via a notice from Lady Whistledown posted to Twitter. 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, according to Deadline, which adds that his character will still be referenced going forward. When Bridgerton was renewed for Season 2 in January, creator Chris Van Dusen was asked if Page and Phoebe Dynevor’s characters would return. "I hope so," he responded. In an interview with Variety, Page says signing on one for season was part of the role's appeal. “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year,” Page tells Variety, recounting early conversations with Shondaland producers, who approached him about the role of Simon after For the People wrapped up. “(I thought) ‘That’s interesting,’ because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.”

ALSO:

• Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen responds to Regé-Jean Page's exit: "Writing the Duke of Hastings for this series has been a true privilege and I’ll forever cherish His Grace’s #Bridgerton reign. Thank you to the fans for embracing him and to @regejean for bringing him to life in such beautifully moving and memorable ways. #TheDukeIsForever."
• Page tweets his goodbye to Bridgerton: "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."
• Shonda Rhimes on Page's exit: "Remember: the Duke is never gone. He’s just waiting to be binge watched all over again. #ShondalandMenOnNetflixAreForever"