According to Regé-Jean Page, The Reason He Left Bridgerton Is Really Simple

At the heart of the show and its huge initial success was the British-Zimbabwean actor Regé-Jean Page, who played the dashing Duke of Hastings in the show's first season.

However, fans were left disappointed when they learned that Page would not be reprising his role in the second season. For months, rumors and speculations regarding his departure swirled in the fandom.

However, Page himself insists there's no drama behind his decision and the reason why he left Bridgerton is, in fact, "really simple."

Page's complex portrayal of Simon Basset was well-received by fans and critics alike thanks to not only his undeniable good looks but also his very impressive acting skills.

After all, his on-screen chemistry with co-star Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne Bridgerton, was one of the most talked-about aspects of the show when it first premiered.

However, after the first season concluded, Page decided to move on from the hit period drama, much to the dismay of the fans. At the time of the shock announcement, many had their own theories about the real reason behind his exit.

Some thought it was because of money, while others were convinced producers were to blame. In reality, everything is much less complicated than that.

In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Page was questioned about his decision to leave the cast and whether it had anything to do with him not wanting to be restricted to only one type of category as an actor.

In response, he revealed that although he wished it was more intriguing than that, the whole thing was very straightforward – he had agreed to undertake a job, performed it, and subsequently took on other jobs.

"That's it. That's the story," he said. He went on to explain that after the show's success, it could've been tempting to stray from the original storyline and invent new plotlines.

However, that was never their intention when they initially signed up for the role.

The actor had also previously disclosed to Variety that his character's storyline was always intended to be a one-season arc, and he was perfectly happy with that.

During his initial discussions with the producers of Shondaland, it was made clear to him that the story was meant to have a definitive beginning, middle, and end.

This approach fascinated him because it felt like a limited series, where he could make his contribution to the storyline, and then the Bridgerton family could carry on without him.

While Page's departure from the series may have disappointed many fans, his explanation clarifies that it was always part of the plan.

As he continues to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry, it will be exciting to see where his career takes him next.