‘Bridgerton’ Producer Shonda Rhimes Says She Was ‘Really Shocked’ By Fans’ Reaction To Regé-Jean Page’s Departure

Anna Delvey, a German heiress hoping to launch a SoHo House-type lavish art club in various hot spots around the country, Anna Sorokin conned her newfound friends and New York elites out of thousands of dollars while always promising to pay them back. One such friend was former employee Rachel Williams, who was stuck with a $60,000 bill for a lavish trip to Marrakesh, Morocco.

Fans were shocked and disappointed to learn that Regé-Jean Page would not be returning to “Bridgeton” for season two, but according to co-star Adjoa Andoh, the exit makes sense.

In a conversation for Bill Clinton’s iHeart podcast Why Am I Telling You This?, the former president and Shonda Rhimes talked about Regé-Jean Page’s recent departure from Bridgerton, as well as her support of Time’s Up and other organizations.

While our excitement for the second season of Bridgerton is building, especially since the announcement it’s to return for a third AND fourth season, we’re still saddened by the fact that our dashing Duke, Regé-Jean Page will not be returning.

On April 2, Bridgerton fans reacted with dismay when news broke of Regé-Jean Page’s exit from the series—and now, producer Shonda Rhimes has weighed in.

Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers!The longtime producing partners were honored with the prestigious Distinguished Collaborator Award at the 2021 Costume Designers Guild Awards. Nicola Coughlan, who portrays Penelope Featherington in their newest hit series, , presented the ladies with the award on Tuesday, calling Shondaland «a place to be human» and dressing to the nines.«Good evening, Shonda and I couldn't be more thrilled and grateful for this honor,» Beers began, touching on the costume

Shonda Rhimes, 51, was surprised at how devastated Bridgerton fans were after they found out Regé-Jean Page, 31, was leaving the popular series after just one thrilling season, and it’s because that was the plan all along.

Shonda Rhimes, who produces Bridgerton for Netflix, has broken her silence on the exit of season one star Regé-Jean Page not returning for season two.

She wasn’t ready! Bridgerton fans are still having a hard time dealing with Regé-Jean Page‘s unexpected exit from the series — but Shonda Rhimes wasn’t prepared for such intense backlash.

The queen of Shondaland cannot believe the outcry Regé-Jean Page’s exit from Bridgerton has caused from fans around the world!

Shonda Rhimes was prepared for fans' reaction after  breakout star Regé-Jean Page announced he wouldn't return for the Netflix series's second season. The Shondaland founder told  that she was «really shocked» when fans reacted with heartbreak and disbelief, with even stars like Kim Kardashian sharing their responses on social media.

There’s joy in Shondaland today. Longtime producing partners Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers are set to receive the Distinguished Collaborator Award at the Costume Designers Guild Awards on Tuesday.

Season 2 of the show will go on without the spoon-licking, virginity-snatching Page, who played the smoldering Duke of Hastings Simon Basset. The new season will focus on Anthony Bridgerton, the overbearing older brother of Daphne and a college chum of the duke’s.

Twitter.Rhimes and Beers both gave credit to the costume designers who have worked with them. The award honors individuals who demonstrate support of costume design and creative partnerships with designers.“This feels more like a giant compliment to the costume designers that we’ve gotten to work with over the years,” said Rhimes, founder of television production company, Shondaland.

Regé-Jean Page may have had his reasons for leaving “Bridgerton”, but it wasn’t because he wasn’t wanted. The 31-year-old actor shocked fans last week when news broke that he would not be returning as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, in season 2 of Shonda Rhimes’ Regency-era Netflix series.

Regé-Jean Page may have had his reasons for leaving , but it wasn't because he wasn't wanted. The 31-year-old actor shocked fans last week when news broke that he would not be returning as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, in season 2 of Shonda Rhimes' Regency-era Netflix series. According to, Page only signed a one-year deal with the show, which focuses on a different one of the eight Bridgerton siblings every season.

Regé-Jean Page left a massive hole in Bridgerton fans’ hearts last week when the show announced the Duke of Hastings would not be returning for Season 2. It was a Lady Whistledown letter that shocked the world, including the likes of Kim Kardashian who had just gotten around to a binge-watch!