After Regé-Jean Page’s departure from Bridgerton, the character of Simon Bassett, also known as the Duke of Hastings, is no longer a central figure in the series. Page was initially contracted for just one season, and his decision to leave was motivated by a desire to explore other creative opportunities.
In Bridgerton season 2, Simon’s absence is addressed through Daphne’s (Phoebe Dynevor) limited scenes. She explains that Simon is at home, focused on caring for their newborn son, August (nicknamed Augie). This explanation keeps Simon’s character tied to the storyline without needing his physical presence on screen.
Showrunner Jess Brownell confirmed that Simon will not be recast or replaced in future seasons and that Regé-Jean Page will not return to the show. The Duke’s absence is woven into the series’ anthology-style structure, with each season spotlighting a different Bridgerton sibling’s love story. Season 2 shifts the focus to Anthony Bridgerton’s (Jonathan Bailey) romance with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), and upcoming seasons will continue to explore other characters’ journeys.
Even though Simon is no longer a major presence, his character remains deeply embedded in the Bridgerton family’s history. His departure allows the show to go into new narratives, and the shift from Simon and Daphne’s love story to Anthony and Kate’s story in season 2 is a natural progression within the broader Bridgerton universe.
By introducing fresh relationships, Bridgerton embraces its unique structure, where each season focuses on the lives and loves of different family members. The storylines evolve, ensuring that fans can continue to explore new facets of the Bridgerton world while maintaining the emotional depth of the previous seasons.
