He’s really gone.
We were left heartbroken when we found out that Regé-Jean Page wasn’t coming back for season two of Bridgerton, but now we know how they bring up his absence.
The actor is best known for his role as the Duke of Hastings in the show’s first season and his main storyline centres around his romance with Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor.
His character stole the hearts of every single viewer, so it was a big surprise when he announced he wouldn’t be make an appearance in the new series.
But how do they explain his sudden disappearance?
When Daphne return to the Ton without her husband, she has a handy excuse as to where he is.
While waiting for her sister Eloise to get dressed, Daphne says: “You do realize I left my husband and child at home for this?”
Later in the third episode, Daphne returns from Clyvedon Castle to go to the Bridgerton family’s annual croquet match, bringing her son Augie along and tells everyone that her husband is away on business.
Daphne tells her family: “As if I would allow dear Augie to miss out on watching his mother win this little family tradition. Second year in a row, if I might add.”
His departure from the show was announced last April in a special edition of Lady Whistledown’s Society Paper.
The announcement said: “While all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to Rege-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. Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown.”
Reacting to the news on Instagram at the time, the actor wrote: “It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke.
“Joining this family – not just on screen, but off screen too. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans – it’s all been beyond anything I could have imagined.
“The love is real and will just keep growing.”
