Rege-Jean Page Turned Down a Huge Payday to Return for ‘Bridgerton’ Season 2

Rege-Jean Page became an overnight sensation after the success of Netflix's Bridgerton. The actor received immense praises for his portrayal of Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fans of Bridgerton were devastated last week when Lady Whistledown herself confirmed news that Rege-Jean Page would not be returning for the show’s second season.

Regé-Jean Page apparently didn’t burn for the pay increase Bridgerton was willing to give him to reprise his role as Simon Basset in season 2.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Rege-Jean Page once auditioned to play Superman’s grandfather in Krypton.

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.

After fans learned that Rege Jean Page will not be returning to Briderton, they’ve been in shock.

Netflix's super hit period drama Bridgerton sent fans into a tizzy when news surfaced that Rege-Jean Page aka Duke of Hastings won't be returning for the show's second season. Lady Whistledown's fans took time to recover from this shock exit but  Rege-Jean Page has now finally opened up about why he is leaving the show.

Rege-Jean Page is opening up about his decision to leave Bridgerton and why he only stayed with the hit Netflix show for one season.

Ever since Rege-Jean Page announced his exit from Bridgerton, the news irked a strong response from fans of the show including some celebrity fans. Although Last Week Tonight host John Oliver has a rather different response for the same, who on his recent episode stated that it was fitting for the Duke's character to not show up in the second season.

While many fans are still reeling from the Friday official announcement that Regé-Jean Page will not be returning to Netflix and Shondaland’s Bridgerton, John Oliver is taking the news in stride and finds it fitting for Page’s character, Simon, the Duke of Hastings.

The guys of Bridgerton are looking suave at the 2021 Screen Actors Guild Awards

(CNN)That scream you may have heard are the fans of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings.It was announced Friday that actor Regé-Jean Page, who played the extremely appealing Duke, will not be reprising his role for the second season of Netflix's hit historical drama, "Bridgerton."The sad news to some came in the form of a note from the show's Lady Whistledown character, posted on "Bridgerton's" verified Twitter account.

Life goes on for the Duke of Hastings. Regé-Jean Page stepped out in North Hollywood, California, after he announced he wouldn’t be returning for season 2 of Bridgerton.