Shonda Rhimes Speaks to Rumor That Regé-Jean Page Turned Down '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.

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, 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.

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

“Bridgerton” producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers address Regé-Jean Page’s departure in a new interview with Vanity Fair.

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.

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.

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.

More than a one-season arc? Regé-Jean Page reportedly passed on a sizeable amount of money to return for season 2 of Bridgerton.

Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page has had his name attached to the iconic role of James Bond ever since he set pulses racing on the Netflix period drama.

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.