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Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page insists he was never returning for season 2 as James Bond rumours grow
BRIDGERTON star Regé-Jean Page said he was never going to return to the Netflix drama for a second series.
The Duke of Hastings actor, 31, sparked uproar yesterday after it was revealed he is bowing out after just one season.
Regé-Jean Page said it was always his plan to quit Bridgerton after one series[/caption]
He told Variety: “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year.
‘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.”
It’s believed filming for the second series will begin this month and that the story will focus on Andrew Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey.
Phoebe Dynevor, 25, is expected to return as Daphne Bridgerton – but there is swirling speculation about what the next move is for Rege-Jean.
Filming on the drama re-starts this month – but Regé-Jean will not be involved[/caption]
The star refused to rule out a turn as James Bond on The Graham Norton Show[/caption]
Bookies have slashed odds on him being unveiled as the next James Bond after Daniel Craig.
He is now second favourite to bag the part, sitting slightly behind in the running to Tom Hardy.
Jessica O’Reilly of Ladbrokes said: “Bridgerton and Bond fans have quickly put 2+2 together and the odds suggest Rege-Jean Page is a serious contender to soon don the famous 007 tuxedo.”
Appearing on Graham Norton in February, the actor refused to deny he was going for the movie role.
Netflix’s Bridgerton has made Regé-Jean, 31, a huge star around the world[/caption]
Bookies put the actor as one of the favourites to succeed Daniel Craig at 007[/caption]
He said: “Bridgerton is the only ‘B” word I am allowed to say – I am not going to talk about the other ‘B’ words!”
Regé, 31, became a overnight star as the leading character Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, in Bridgerton.
Netflix yesterday confirmed Regé was not returning to the show today and posted a statement, written in the style of the era of Bridgerton.
It read: “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.
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“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.
“Yours truly, Lady Whistledown.”
