Bridgerton heart-throb Regé-Jean Page will not return for series two, it was announced on Friday.
The hit Netflix series took to its official Twitter account to reveal that the actor, 31, who plays Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, won’t be appearing on season two.
Regé-Jean also took to Instagram to confirm the news as he emotionally said it had been a ‘pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke’.
Bridgerton fans, including Kim Kardashian, were left devastated by the shock exit as they took to social media to share their heartbreak.
Shock: Bridgerton heart-throb Regé-Jean Page will not return for series two, it was announced on Friday (pictured in character)
In a tongue-in-cheek statement penned as the mysterious show lead Lady Whistledown, Bridgerton tweeted: ‘Your Grace, it has been a pleasure.’
The statement 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.
‘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.’
Statement: The hit Netflix series took to its official Twitter account to reveal that the actor, 31, who plays Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, will not be back
Sad: Regé-Jean also took to Instagram to confirm the news as he emotionally said it had been a ‘pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke’ (pictured in still with onscreen wife Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor)
It was signed: ‘Yours truly, Lady Whistledown.’
Regé-Jean later confirmed his show exit in his own statement posted to Instagram where he shared a picture of himself in character and behind-the-scenes.
He penned: ‘The ride of a life time. 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.’
Emotional: Regé-Jean later confirmed his show exit in his own statement posted to Instagram where he shared a picture of himself in character and behind-the-scenes
Signing off his message, he added: ‘The love is real and will just keep growing ❤️❤️❤️.’
The official Netflix account also re-shared the same statement, adding: ‘You’ll always be our Simon, Regé.
While show creator Shonda Rhimes also released a statement about Regé-Jean’s exit from the steamy period drama series.
The producer and screenwriter, 51, tweeted: ‘Remember: the Duke is never gone. He’s just waiting to be binge watched all over again. #ShondalandMenOnNetflixAreForever.’
Sad: The official Netflix account also re-shared the same statement, adding: ‘You’ll always be our Simon, Regé.’
Show creator: Show creator Shonda Rhimes also released a statement about Regé-Jean’s exit from the steamy period drama series
Bridgerton follows the self-titled family and how their lives are turned upside-down by the revelations of the illusive and anonymous Lady Thistledown in London.
The first series had a strong focus on the love story of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, and Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor.
The two characters start out as friends as a ploy to fool London’s elite and Lady Thistledown herself.
Superfan: Bridgerton fans, including Kim Kardashian, were left devastated by the shock exit as they took to social media to share their heartbreak
Woah! Kim, 40, commented on the official Bridgerton Instagram page with: ‘Wait!!! WHAT????’
Yet after falling in love, Simon is forced to confront his inner demons after vowing to never marry or sire an heir to his dukedom out of spite to his late abusive father.
Fans, including Kim Kardashian, were left devastated over the news as they took to social media to share their heartbreak.
Kim, 40, commented on the official Bridgerton Instagram page with: ‘Wait!!! WHAT????’
A different fan said: ‘This can’t be true??!!?? Simon is the show.’
Another viewer commented: ‘Thank you @regejean for being the best Duke we could ever dream of!’
While a different account added: ‘Oh no!! I thought he was a going to be a side character. I don’t think I’ll watch it without him…’