Some Bridgerton season 2 casting news, and while understandable, there’s waves of surprise as a major star won’t be back

There are some interesting new cast members for Bridgerton season 2, and we will get to them, but the major talking point is Regé-Jean Page will not be returning as the Duke. Phoebe Dynevor is very much still with the series as Lady Whistledown herself announced on Twitter.

Lady Whistledown’s Bridgerton season 2 news

In case that’s not clear on your screen, here’s the text in full:

Dearest Readers,

While all eyes turn to Lord Antony 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, bu the will always be 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.

We aren’t totally surprised at this; both he and Dynevor have a lot of new projects, and while he was one of Antony’s friends, it’s easy to see having the Duke and Duchess might dominate a season meant to focus elsewhere. It also means more speculation about him taking over the role of James Bond!

New cast members

We’ve already revealed the casting of Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, and thanks to Deadline we now now Charithra Chandran (Alex Rider TV series) will play her sister, Edwina who first catches Antony’s eye. There’s also news of Rupert Young (Merlin) playing Jack, a character not present in the novels.

We’ll bring you more news as we get it.