Even though Regé-Jean Page bid farewell to Bridgerton after its inaugural season, the actor remains surprisingly connected to the Netflix phenomenon—and he’s not afraid to poke fun at its most divisive moments.
The British actor, who portrayed the charismatic Duke of Hastings Simon Basset in season 1, recently opened up about keeping tabs on the show that launched him into global stardom. During an interview with DuJour on April 6, Page revealed he still checks in on his former colleagues, though perhaps with a newfound sense of humor about the drama unfolding in subsequent seasons.
Staying Connected to the Bridgerton Family
Despite departing Bridgerton after its first season premiered in 2020, Page maintains meaningful relationships with the cast and crew who became his extended family during the filming of that breakout year.
>”I check in every now and then because I have a lot of friends there and people I love, and they do wonderful work,” Page, 38, told DuJour.
This ongoing connection comes as no surprise to devoted fans who watched the electric chemistry between Page and co-star Phoebe Dynevor, who played Daphne Bridgerton. The pair’s on-screen romance became the cornerstone of the series’ massive success, with viewers instantly falling in love with the enemies-to-lovers storyline that defined the first season.
What sets Page apart from many actors who depart successful series is his willingness to acknowledge the show’s continued impact—without pretending he watches every episode religiously. His honest admission that he’s “not fully up to date” feels refreshingly genuine in an era where former cast members often claim to be die-hard fans of projects they’ve left behind.
The Mistress Controversy That Divided Fans
When Page mentioned knowing “enough not to be running around asking anyone to be my mistress any time soon,” he was referencing one of Bridgerton‘s most talked-about plot developments from season 4. The storyline centered on Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson) and his relationship with Sophie Baek (played by Yerin Ha).
The controversy erupted when Benedict proposed an arrangement that many viewers found deeply problematic: he asked Sophie to become his mistress rather than offering her marriage. In the context of Regency-era London depicted in the series, a mistress relationship would have been socially acceptable among the aristocracy but fundamentally degrading for a woman of Sophie’s standing.
The backlash was swift and passionate. Social media erupted with criticism, with many fans arguing that the adaptation deviated too far from Julia Quinn’s original novels, where Benedict and Sophie’s story took a different trajectory. Others defended the creative choice, noting that the show had always taken liberties with the source material to modernize certain themes for contemporary audiences.
The plot point sparked broader conversations about:
- Romantic tropes that normalize unequal power dynamics
- The balance between period-accurate social norms and modern storytelling values
- Character development choices that prioritize conflict over comfort
- Fan expectations versus creative freedom in adaptations
Page’s Playful Response to the Drama
Rather than weighing in on the controversy with the serious tone that typically accompanies such debates, Page chose humor. His quip about not “running around asking anyone to be my mistress” demonstrates the self-aware wit that made him so beloved during his time on the show.
The joke works on multiple levels. First, it acknowledges awareness of the specific plot point without requiring him to offer a detailed opinion on whether it was handled well. Second, it subtly highlights the absurdity of the situation from a modern perspective—imagine a present-day person casually asking someone to become their secret lover. Third, it maintains the playful energy that characterized his Duke of Hastings persona.
This approach exemplifies why Page remained so popular even after leaving the show. He never seems to take himself too seriously while still demonstrating genuine respect for the work and the people involved. It’s a delicate balance that many actors struggle to achieve.
The Legacy That Keeps Giving
Page’s departure after season 1 remains one of the most discussed exits in recent television history. The decision to recast the role of Simon—rather than simply writing the character out—left many fans disappointed and occasionally angry. Netflix and Shonda Rhimes faced significant criticism for the choice, with some arguing that the show lost its defining element when Page exited.
However, time has allowed for a more nuanced perspective. Bridgerton has continued to thrive with new leads in subsequent seasons, proving the franchise’s ability to tell compelling stories beyond the original couple. Meanwhile, Page has gone on to other projects, including starring in Den of Thieves 2: Pantera and The Gray Man, demonstrating range beyond the romantic lead persona that made him famous.
His recent comments suggest a man at peace with his decision to leave while still appreciating what the experience gave him. By staying friendly with former cast members and occasionally commenting on the show’s developments, he maintains a connection to that chapter of his career without being defined by it.
What the Future Holds
While fans continue to speculate about whether Page might ever return to Bridgerton—whether for a guest appearance or a more substantial role—the actor has given no indication that such plans are in motion. His current statement suggests contentedness with his outside perspective on the series.
For now, viewers can enjoy the ongoing drama of the Bridgerton family while occasionally catching up with their former favorite through interviews like this one. And if season 5 brings any new controversies, at least we know someone’s out there keeping track—and making jokes about them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Regé-Jean Page leave Bridgerton?
Page’s departure after season 1 was announced by Netflix in 2021. While specific reasons were not publicly detailed, it’s common for actors in anthology-style series to move on after their story arc concludes. The show has continued with new leading couples each season.
Is Regé-Jean Page still friends with the Bridgerton cast?
Based on his recent comments, Page maintains friendships with several cast members. He specifically mentioned having “a lot of friends there” and people he loves working with.
Will Regé-Jean Page ever return to Bridgerton?
\p>There has been no official announcement about Page returning to the series. While fan speculation continues, the actor has not indicated any plans to reprise his role as the Duke of Hastings.
What was the mistress controversy in Bridgerton season 4?
Season 4 featured Benedict asking Sophie to become his mistress rather than marrying her, a plot point that drew significant backlash from viewers who found the arrangement problematic, especially compared to the original book storyline.
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