Fingers crossed for theory #3.

Last week, Lady Whistledown sent Bridgerton fans into a frenzy with some pretty devastating news. That's right, the show's gossip guru dropped the bomb that fan-favourite Regé-Jean Page would not be returning to the show for the second season On Netflix's official account, Lady Whistledown wrote: "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." There appears to be no bad blood between the show and Page. In fact, the actor had only kind things to say about his experience in a post on Instagram: "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." Needless to say, fans were shocked by the announcement, particularly given Page's huge popularity. Since the news broke, Bridgerton super sleuths have proffered a number of theories explaining Page's departure. Here's what they have deduced so far.

1. Different plot direction

The theory that appears to be the most viable is that season two of Bridgerton will head in a different story direction. Like Lady Whistledown said, the second series will focus more on Lord Anthony Bridgerton's journey. The arrival of Simone Ashley in a leading role also suggests that this pair will be the centre-point of season two, rather than Daphne and Simon. Additionally, Page told Variety that he felt his character's story reached a natural conclusion in season one. "It's a one-season arc," he said. "It's going to have a beginning, middle and end. It felt like a limited series. I get to come on, I get to contribute my bit, and then the Bridgerton family rolls on." Interesting.

2. He's been cast in something major

Another rumour circulating right now seems to suggest that Page has been cast in a huge movie or TV franchise. Reddit detectives are hopeful that the dreamy actor may stand a chance at becoming the next James Bond or Superman. This makes sense. Relatively speaking, Page was a newcomer when he joined the Bridgerton cast. However, after just one season, he's made a serious name for himself and could have his eye on even bigger projects. Whether or not this is the reason he left is unclear. However, he certainly is one to watch.

3. He's not actually leaving and this is all just one big joke

Ok, let us have this one? While it would be highly unlikely for the show to announce his departure as a red herring - and risk losing fans - some Bridgerton stans are clinging on to the hope that Page will in fact return when we least expect it. Fans of the book have also pointed out that the Duke plays a small but important role in the second book, so a cameo is not entirely out of the question. One thing is for sure though - we will be keeping an eagle eye on the situation to see how it plays out.