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.
“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,” the announcement read. “We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.”
“It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end — give us a year,” Page said. “[I thought] ‘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.”
But while the Duke of Hastings is departing, his Duchess will still be around.
“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,” the announcement read.
Phoebe Dynevor plays Daphne Bridgerton Basset.