Bridgerton: New Cast Announced As Regé-Jean Page Steps Down For Season 2

As we wait for Bridgerton season 2, the steamy period drama has made an exciting casting announcement.

It comes just days after Lady Whitstleldown confirmed that Regé-Jean Page - who delighted viewers as Simon, The Duke of Hastings, in the record breaking first season - will not return for season 2 of Bridgerton.

The letter - posted to the show's official Twitter page - reads: "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 part of the Bridgerton family.

Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) 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."

Bridgerton became quite the blockbuster when it debuted on Netflix in December. A month after it premiered, the streamer confirmed that the period drama would be back for another instalment via Lady Whistledown's Society Paper.

The second instalment of the steamy period drama is set to focus on Daphne's brother Anthony and his pursuit of a wife, according to an intriguing 'pamphlet' written by none other than Lady Whistledown that's circulating on social media.

The second Bridgerton book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, focuses on eldest son Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey.

Edwina has an older half sister, Kate, who after hearing about Anthony's reputation, is desperate to put a stop to the match.

But after months of bickering, Anthony and Kate find themselves increasingly drawn to one another. Despite fighting their desire, in the end they simply cannot.

Of course, the TV adaptation could have some differences here and there, but it's expected Season 2 will have all the binge-watching qualities of the first instalment - and we cannot wait!

Farewell Duke of Hastings - and farewell to your iconic spoon too.