Regé-Jean Page won’t return for Bridgerton seasons 3 or 4 as boss even rules out a Simon Basset cameo

Bridgerton boss Shonda Rhimes has shut down all hopes of Regé-Jean Page returning to the racy period drama – even for a cameo. 

Page immediately became an overnight phenomenon as Simon Basset, with thirsty viewers whipped up into a frenzy when the Netflix series dropped on Boxing Day last year. 

While Page has been tipped to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond and has career is about to soar, the 31-year-old confirmed he would not be back for Bridgerton season 2 despite arguably becoming the show’s biggest break out star. 

The series has already been commissioned for seasons three and four but don’t expect Page to appear in any of the forthcoming episodes. 

Looking back at Basset’s romance with Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), Shonda said she was thrilled to be able to tell a ‘complete romantic tale that has an end, where you’re not finding 14 other reasons why the couple can’t be together or frankly having Regé stand in the background of somebody else’s romance. That doesn’t make sense’. 

Netflix executive Bela Bajaria stressed to Hollywood Reporter the series will stay true to the literary works by Julia Quinn. 

‘Those books really dictated what we did, and we want talent to have an amazing experience and tell the story they’re telling authentically, not, “Oh, can you just come over here and do this little thing?”

‘Like, is that satisfying? Is that what actors want to do? He delivered on his story.’ 

Rhimes admitted she was ‘surprised’ by the fan reaction Page’s exit, with many viewers claiming they won’t be returning to watch the remainder of Bridgerton if it’s Page-less.

‘I don’t think I fully expected or understood what releasing all eight episodes around the globe at once was going to do,’ she said. 

‘And yeah, I was like, “I’ve killed many a man that people adore.”

‘I’m so surprised that everybody is [losing it over a character we’ve watched] for eight episodes leaving. But obviously Regé is an amazing actor and he did an amazing thing and people responded.’

Netflix announced the news of Page’s departure with a message from the elusive character Lady Whistledown, which 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.

‘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.’

Page shared a sweet message, writing: ‘Pleasure and a privilege! An honour to be a member of the family – on and off screen, cast, crew and incredible fans – the love is real and will just keep growing.’

Bridgerton is available to stream on Netflix now. 

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