Is Simon Returning in Bridgerton Season 3? Here's What Regé-Jean Page Says
Simon Basset, the handsome and dashing Duke of Hastings, was one of the most beloved characters on the Regency-era drama, Bridgerton.
Charismatic and charming, he became even more likeable when we learned of his dreadfully rough entry into this world, and of his cold father who cared more about titles than his only child.
As frustrating as it felt for what is primarily a romantic series, we understood Simon's stubbornness in not wanting to marry or have children. He wanted to stay true to the last thing he told his father before the old man perished. That the Basset line would end with him.
Enter Daphne Bridgerton. At first, it seemed as though Simon would stay true to his word. But fate dealt them another series of hands that would lead to them married, and Daphne giving birth to their son, Augie.
Simon and Daphne's relationship was far from perfect and they had their fair share of drama and hiccups along the way. But the chemistry was undeniable and fans were looking forward to seeing more of them in Season Two.
Alas, only Daphne and Augie would return for the second season, with Simon being noticeably absent. The character is said to be "at home" when Daphne appears, either with or without her son. Given that Simon does not appear to have been formally written out of the show, with his character being definitely alive, fans have been loudly hoping we might see him again in the upcoming third season.
Sadly, as confirmed by the man himself, Regé-Jean Page, who played Simon, he will absolutely not be returning. The official reason stated has been that he only ever signed on for one season, being of the understanding that it was to be a short-run series. That he never had any intention of appearing beyond Season One. There is no denying the rumours that claim he chose not to return as he was unhappy about what the writers were planning for his character. But they remain exactly that; unfounded rumours with no proof. While posting a photo with another Bridgerton star, Jonathan Bailey, on Instagram, the actor reiterated:
"No, I'm not going back to the show btw – the papers made that one up. But we had the best, and most stylish, catch up I've had in a while over some truly excellent Italian coffee and sunshine."
It seems the simplest answer in this case is the correct one. Page only signed up for one season, he filmed one season and has now moved on to other projects. It is unclear how writers will manage Simon's continued absence in Season Three. Whether he will remain "at home" or will suffer some other fate. What is clear, is that whatever destiny now has in store for Simon Basset, it will definitely be occurring entirely off-screen, without Page. Fans have mixed feelings about this, and only time will tell what lies ahead for Simon.