Regé-Jean Page, 33, left Bridgerton fans shaken when it was announced he would be leaving the smash hit Netflix period drama and would not be returning for season two. The actor won the hearts of viewers in his role as Simon, Duke of Hastings alongside his on-screen wife Lady Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor).
As one of the two romantic leads of the series, Page’s exit came as a shock to many.
However, Page’s co-star Ruby Barker, who plays Marina Thompson in Bridgerton, has now admitted her reaction to the news has changed over time.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, Ruby explained while discussing the Duke’s sudden farewell: “At first it surprised me, but then it didn’t surprise me because no one wants to get typecast or stuck.
“He came, he saw, he conquered, quite literally, every single person with ovaries or otherwise, in a million households around the world.
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“So I think it’s going to be really exciting to see what happens with his career.”
Ruby also addressed those James Bond rumours involving Page, which have been swirling ever since Daniel Craig’s final film as 007, No Time To Die, was released this year.
When quizzed on the subject, she hinted: “I mean, like, I don’t know, I have absolutely no idea, but that would be brilliant. That’d be brilliant!
“I mean, who knows if, or when, or how?
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“But I mean, who wouldn’t want to see that?”
The official Bridgerton Instagram account shared the sad news of Page’s departure in a statement presented as a note from Lady Whistledown back in April.
The announcement 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.”
Page also confirmed the news by retweeting the Netflix statement and adding: “Pleasure and a privilege!
“An honour to be a member of the family – on and off screen, cast, crew and incredible fans – the love is real and will just keep growing.”
Ruby Barker is an ambassador for Raleigh International, one of the 900 charities which participated in this year’s The Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest online match funding campaign which this year raised £21.1 million www.thebiggive.org.uk