The Reason Regé-Jean Page Left
Much to the dismay of fans worldwide, actor Regé-Jean Page who plays Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings did not return to the show for Season 2. In case you’re wondering why it’s because he only signed a contract for one season and there were “creative differences.”
It’s not that the actor didn’t leave on good terms but he wasn’t happy with the direction Shonda Rhimes and her team wanted to take his character in. Since Season 2 would tell the story of Anthony Bridgerton, the Duke would understandably no longer be the focal point of the show. The actor went on to say that he enjoyed his “one-season arc” that allowed him to contribute his bit. We couldn’t agree more.