Regé-Jean Page will not appear on Bridgerton season 2

Cool down your hormones and get your kleenex ready because Regé-Jean Page aka Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, will not join the cast of the second season of Bridgerton. The shocking news, and probably the only reason why millions of fans were waiting with trepidation for the new episodes of the Netflix series, comes directly from Lady Whistledown who wrote on her official account:

Dearest 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. - Anticipating that his consort, played by Phoebe Dynevor, will instead maintain her role - 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.

Always from IG also Regé Jean Page gives an additional confirmation of the departure of the hottest character of 2020, he thanks all the fans and colleagues who worked with him on the project created by Shonda Rhimes:

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.

Okay the cottagecore, ok ok the hot scenes, the pastel rainbow of costumes or the mystery behind gossip girl Lady Whistledown, but the real reason Bridgerton has become one of Netflix's biggest hits is definitely the hotness of Rene-Jean Page, so, the question on everyone's mind now is: will the show be able to repeat the hype of the first season? It will be difficult. Orphaned of its most beloved character, the second season of Bridgerton will focus on Anthony Bridgerton and his search for a suitable spouse. As was predictable to imagine for those familiar with the series of eight bestselling novels from which the series is based, each of which focuses on one of the siblings in the Bridgerton family.

What will Rene-Jean Page do next? There are rumors that the actor could play the new James Bond, but confirmed projects include the thriller The Gray Man teaming up with Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, as well as Dungeons & Dragons, the film inspired by the homonymous popular video game whose cast also includes Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez e Justice Smith.