The dashing Duke of Hastings won't be back in the new season of Bridgerton
Rege-Jean Page will not return for the second season of record-breaking Regency romance Bridgerton, Netflix said Friday, prompting howls of despair from fans of the dashing Duke of Hastings.
The wildly popular series from Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes puts a modern twist on the books about an upper-class family in early 19th-century England, including colour-blind casting.
(Related: Netflix’s Bridgerton: What to Look Forward to in Season 2)
British-Zimbabwean actor Page was a breakout star for the first season, but his character's storylines largely conclude in the opening volume of Julia Quinn's original books, which each follow a different sibling of the Bridgerton family.
"Dearest Readers, 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," said a letter on the show's Twitter account.
"We'll miss Simon's presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family."