Sad news for fans of the Netflix hit Bridgerton: breakout star Regé-Jean Page will not be returning for season 2.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Page only had a one-season deal with the Shondaland produced drama and has fulfilled his contractual obligations. This is in line with how the producers envisioned the series before its Christmas day release, as each Bridgerton season will focus on a different Julia Quinn novel in the Bridgerton series.

Page played Simon Bisset, Duke of Hastings, the mysterious and dashing suitor of eldest Bridgerton sister Daphne. Season one revolved around their fake courtship scheme,  designed so Daphne could look more attractive to other prospective suitors, and Simon could look disinterested in the debutantes that the mothers of London throw at him. Of course, this leads to the two falling in love and getting married. Pheobe Dynevor, who plays Daphne, will be reprising the role for Season 2. The second season will focus on Anthony Bridgerton and his quest to find a viscountess.

Netflix announced Page’s departure in the style of Lady Whistledown: “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 the 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 my readers may be able to bear. Yours truly, Lady Whistledown.”

 

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Page commented, “It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege! Joining this family – the connection on and off-screen, with our cast, our crew, all the incredible fans, has been like nothing I could have ever imagined – the love is real and will just keep growing.” 

Bridgerton was an immediate hit for Netflix, being seen by 63 million households in its first 28 days and eventually topping Stranger Things as its most watched-original ever. It was quickly renewed for a second season. Showrunner Chris Van Dusen hopes that the show will run for eight seasons, one for each novel. Page also enjoyed immediate success after the release of Bridgerton, landing a hosting gig at Saturday Night Live, and roles in the upcoming Netflix movie The Gray Man and a Paramount Pictures feature adaptation of Dungeons and Dragons.

Good luck and godspeed to our beloved Duke.

Featured image via the Hollywood reporter