Why is Bridgerton’s Rege-Jean Page not on season 2?

BRIDGERTON star Rege-Jean Page has not returned to the Netflix drama for the second series.

The Duke of Hastings actor was a big hit with fans in the debut seaon.

Why is Bridgerton’s Rege-Jean Page not in season 2?

Page, 31, said it was always his plan to quit after the first season.

Page took to Instagram to address his role on the show.

"The ride of a life time," he wrote in his post.

"It's been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke. Joining this family - not just on screen, but off screen too," he wrote.

He concluded his post saying the "love is real and will just keep growing."

Netflix has confirmed Rege-Jean was not returning to the show and posted a statement, written in the style of the era of Bridgerton.

It read: “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.

“We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a 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.”

What has Rege-Jean Page said?

He told  “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year.

‘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.”

Speculation soon started that Page is being lined up to take over from Daniel Craig as suave British spy James Bond.

Bookies have slashed odds on him being unveiled as the next James Bond after Daniel Craig.

In January 2022, he was the favourite to bag the part, sitting slightly Above Tom Hardy in the running.

Jessica O’Reilly of Ladbrokes said: “Bridgerton and Bond fans have quickly put 2+2 together and the odds suggest Rege-Jean Page is a serious contender to soon don the famous 007 tuxedo.”

Appearing on Graham Norton in February (2021), the actor refused to deny he was going for the movie role.

He said: “Bridgerton is the only ‘B” word I am allowed to say – I am not going to talk about the other ‘B’ words!”

What happens in Bridgerton season 2?

Filming for the second series began in April 2021 and finished in November the same year.

The story focuses on Andrew Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey.

While Page may not be reprising his role as the Duke of
Hastings, the show continues on following the books by Julia Quinn.

The series of books work as a sort of anthology, following the romantic endeavours of different siblings and people in the Bridgerton family.

The second novel, entitled: The Viscount Who Loved Me, will focus on Anthony, played by Jonathan Bailey.

The new episodes of the series, will introduce fan-favorite characters such as Kate Sharma, as well as the return of the Duchess herself, Daphne.