We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Lady Whistledown herself just confirmed that we wouldn’t be seeing the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton Season 2.

 

The Duke of Hastings Simon Basset, played by Rege-Jean Page, was one of the most well-loved characters during the first season.

 

Did you burn for him too? Because we did! I mean, who can forget his impassioned speech in front of the Queen? It just made all of our hearts melt.

 

Rege announced he wouldn’t be returning for Season 2, and the fans’ hearts were shattered when Lady Whistledown confirmed the news. The Hollywood Reporter said that the decision was because Rege’s original contract was just for Season 1 and that he has already fulfilled his contractual obligation.

 

The outlet also clarified that the decision has nothing to do with Rege’s rapid rise to fame during the first season. The outlet added that the story was already set even before Season One was released.

 

If you’re a fan, you’d know that this series is based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels. The series has eight books, and each book focused on one of the 8 Bridgerton siblings and talked about the character’s journey to find love.

 

We’ve seen Daphne’s story and how she journeyed to find her Simon. We were treated to their quest to find each other, was on a roller coaster ride as they faced challenges, and we loved and cried with them.

 

That’s why it’s understandable that many were in disbelief when Lady Whistledown confirmed that we would be bidding farewell to our beloved Simon. And we quote, “Dearest readers, 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 part of the Bridgerton family.”

 

Fans still have difficulty accepting this announcement, with some of them hoping that it was just an April Fool’s Day Joke. Some even called to boycott the show and asked what the point of watching the show is?

 

But other fans defended, explaining that since each book features one of the eight children of the late Viscount Bridgerton, and we now give focus to Anthony, there won’t be a need for Simon.

 

One thing is for sure though, Lord Anthony Bridgerton has large shoes to fill, but we’re sure he will get the job done. Jonathan Bailey plays Anthony Bridgerton, and Season 2 is set to begin production this month.

 

We’ve seen a glimpse of his love life in the first season and how hot he is! So, we’re sure that he is someone to watch for. For all we know, we’ll all be burning for more!

 

As for Lady Whistledown, she promised more intrigue and romance than her readers may be able to hear. Well, we’re looking forward to all that!

 

What do you think about not seeing Rege in Season 2? We love to hear your thoughts, so hit up the comments section below.

 

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Carol
Author: Carol