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Reason why Theo James didn’t return for second season of ITV’s raunchy period drama

Reason why Theo James didn’t return for second season of ITV’s raunchy period drama

It's the perfect thing to whack on while we wait for part two of the latest Bridgerton season

OK, we're all at the edges of our seats waiting for the next part of Bridgerton's season three to finally drop on Netflix.

But, while we countdown the days until 13 June, there's no harm dabbling in other period dramas - especially when they star the likes of Theo James.

Now, The Gentlemen actor appeared on just the first season of the raunchy ITV show and there's a pretty good reason as to why the heartthrob never returned for season two.

The steamy season first hit our screens back in 2019. (ITV)
The steamy season first hit our screens back in 2019. (ITV)

A similarly steamy series to the 'ton - which is also set in the Regency era - is none other than Sanditon and fans are claiming it's even 'better than Bridgerton'.

The 'shocking' programme, which debuted back in 2019 and boasts three seasons now, has been developed by Jane Austen's novel, The Brothers.

Starring Rose Williams as spirited protagonist, Charlotte Heywood, the ITV drama is set in a seaside town rife with social change.

As Charlotte arrives at Sanditon for a fresh start, she becomes acquainted with Sidney Parker (James) and his older brother Tom Parker (Kris Marshall).

Theo James as Sidney Parker in Sanditon. (ITV)
Theo James as Sidney Parker in Sanditon. (ITV)

The brothers’ plan of action is to turn the quiet fishing village into ‘the finest seaside resort on the whole of the south coast’.

But between the business, the provocative drama features heartache, steamy sex scenes and male nudity.

However, it appears that three seasons are not nearly enough as viewers have since demanded for the next instalment to the series following the 'cliffhanger' it ended on.

Check out the official trailer here:

One fan took to X to voice their outrage, writing: "I don't understand why itv decided to give Sanditon another last season after cancelling the show but they can't seem to give a proper final season to Victoria after that cliffhanger."

Another penned: "So, um, we’re campaigning for season 4 of #Sanditon, right? RIGHT?! We did it once before. We can bring it back. I’m not ready to say goodbye to this world and these characters."

"I must’ve mumbled when I asked for another season of Sanditon because they gave me Sex and the City instead," added someone else.

The Gentlemen star opened up about why he left Sanditon after the first season. (ITV)
The Gentlemen star opened up about why he left Sanditon after the first season. (ITV)

Alright, so we know everyone's wanting another Sanditon season to hit our screens - but why on earth was James nowhere to be seen in the last two?

Well, the actor previously shared a statement on his shock departure, pointing to his desire to preserve the story's 'broken fairytale-like ending'.

"Although I relished playing Sidney, for me, I've always maintained that his journey concluded as I wanted it to," he explained.

"The broken fairytale-like ending between Charlotte and Sidney is different, unique and so interesting to me and I wish the cast and crew of Sanditon every success with future series."

Sanditon is currently available to stream on ITVX.

Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: Bridgerton, Celebrity, ITV, Period Drama, TV And Film