Regé-Jean Page Leaving Bridgerton Didn't Matter Much for Shonda
When Regé-Jean Page decided to step away from Bridgerton after season one, fans were shocked and disappointed. For many Simon, the Duke of Hastings, had been the central focal point of Season 1 and nobody could imagine Bridgerton without him in it.
However, the show's executive producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers weren't fazed by his departure – and if you've read Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books on which the series is based, you'll know why.
Shondaland comments on Page's departure
Rhimes has stated how the producers weren't counting on the continuation of his story anyway. Because each season is based on one of the Bridgerton books (and one Bridgerton sibling), it didn't change Season 2 plans at all.
According to Rhimes, they weren't counting on Page's storyline to continue: "It didn't actually change our plans at all. Season 2 proceeded exactly like we planned it to." (via People)
The topic of Season 1 was the blossoming romance between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. The season ended when their story had finished being told.
Season 2 focused on a different sibling, this time Anthony Bridgerton and his search for a wife. Season 3 will also focus on a different Bridgerton when it lands on our screens.
Explaining The Duke's absence in Season 2
Regé-Jean Page starred opposite Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne Bridgerton. After Daphne struggles to find a suitor, she and Simon pretend to be in a romantic relationship. It suits Simon as he wishes to stay a bachelor.
The pair end up falling in love anyway – though not without troubles along the way – and the season ends with their first child being born.
As previously mentioned, Season 2 followed the romantic story of another Bridgerton sibling and so the appearances of Page would have been limited anyway. During this season, Daphne and their child did appear onscreen, but the duke's absence was explained by work keeping him away.
Why did Regé-Jean Page decide to quit?
Even though his character's appearances would be limited in the show, this isn't why Page decided to leave the show.
His departure was announced via a Lady Whistledown statement that 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."
Page was offered appearances in Season 2 but declined to pursue other projects. After all, he'd been the focal point of the whole of Season 1 and would merely be a background character in Season 2, so it's no surprise really.