The Netflix show announced the news on Friday with a statement from Lady Whistledown. “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,” the statement began. “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," Whistledown continued. Netflix retweeted the statement writing, “Your Grace, it has been a pleasure.” The streaming giant would not provide additional comment on Page’s departure. However, the actor told Variety that the role of Simon initially appealed to him because it felt like a limited series. “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end–give us a year,” Page said recalling early conversations with Shondaland producers. “[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.” “I have nothing but excitement for ‘Bridgerton’ continuing to steam train off and conquer the globe,” he added. “But there is also value in completing these arcs and sticking the landing.” Over on Instagram, Page reflected on his role, calling it “the ride of a life time.” Alongside photos of himself dressed in character, he penned: “It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke. Joining this family–not just on screen, but off screen too. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans–it’s all been beyond anything I could have imagined. The love is real and will just keep growing ❤️❤️❤️.” Shonda Rhimes also addressed Page’s exit writing, “Remember: the Duke is never gone. He’s just waiting to be binge watched all over again. #ShondalandMenOnNetflixAreForever.” When news first broke that Page would not be returning, fans wondered if it was a joke. “this has to be april fools… right?” one tweeted. Another wrote: “Please tell me this is a late April Fool’s joke. I’ll forgive you if it is.” The forthcoming season will focus on the Duchess of Hastings’ brother Lord Anthony Bridgerton. Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen previously said that he hoped Page and Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne Bridgerton, would return for the second season, which begins production this spring. “I hope so,” Van Dusen said during an appearance on the TODAY show earlier this year. “They are now of course the Duke and Duchess of Hastings, but in my mind they will always be Bridgertons and I think they will always be a part of the show.” We will always burn for Simon!
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