While Season 1 of the period drama was all about the couple’s turbulent relationship, Season 2—premiering Friday, March 25—centers around another eligible member of the ton: Daphne’s older brother, Lord Anthony Bridgerton (JonathanBailey). But with Anthony stepping into the spotlight, will our beloved Season 1 leads, played by Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page, be back for Season 2? Back in January 2021 when Season 2 was announced, Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen said on TODAY that he “hoped” for Dynevor and Page to return. “They are now of course the Duke and Duchess of Hastings, but in my mind they will always be Bridgertons and I think they will always be a part of the show," he added. However, with Season 2 now imminent, we know that, in truth, only one of them is a part of the Season 2 cast. Keep reading to find out if Daphne or Simon will be in Season 2 of Bridgerton.
Will Regé-Jean Page be in Season 2 of Bridgerton as Simon?
It was announced in April 2021 that Page would be leaving the Netflix series and would not be expected to return for Season 2. “Dear Readers, 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,” a notice from Lady Whistledown read at the time. “We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.” Though his exit from the show might have surprised fans, Page admitted to Variety that it was the “short-term commitment” that originally appealed to him. Recalling early conversations with producers about the role, Page told Variety, “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end—give us a year.” The actor thought it was “interesting” because it “felt like a limited series.” He said, “I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.” Shonda Rhimes added while discussing Page’s departure with Variety, “Rightfully, he said, ‘I signed up to do this one lovely story, this closed-ended storyline. I’m good!’… And I don’t blame him for that. I think that he was really smart to leave the perfection as the perfection.”
Will Phoebe Dynevor be in Season 2 of Bridgerton as Daphne?
Meanwhile, Dynevor is set to reprise her role as the Duchess of Hastings, though we’ll have to wait and see just how much she actually appears. Lady Whistledown had previously said that “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.” Dynevor herself previously told BAZAAR.com, “I think, obviously, if we’re sticking to the books, it’s sort of Anthony’s turn now. But there’s no such thing as a happy ending, is there? I think love’s always shifting and changing. So who knows? I’d like to see what happens next. And also, I’d like to see Daphne get involved in Anthony’s love life, since he was so involved in hers.” Fans can also look forward to appearances from Simon and Daphne’s son Augie in Season 2!
Is Simon in Bridgerton Season 2?
Although Page did not return for Season 2, his character (spoileralert!) is referenced within the first few minutes of the first episode. Series creator Chris Van Dusen told TVLine, “In the very first scene of Season 2, Daphne mentions she left her husband and baby at home [to be there for Eloise’s debut]. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out in terms of Regé being a part of the second season, but he will always be Bridgerton’s Duke. He’s not going anywhere in the world of the show. And just because we don’t see him, it doesn’t mean that he’s not there.”
Who are the Bridgerton Season 2 romantic leads?
When one love story ends, another begins! Fans will be burning for Bridgerton’s new romantic leads in Season 2: Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). Season 2 follows Bailey’s character as he sets out to find a suitable wife. “Driven by his duty to uphold the family name, Anthony’s search for a debutante who meets his impossible standards seems ill-fated until Kate (Simone Ashley) and her younger sister Edwina (CharithraChandran) Sharma arrive from India,” according to the official synopsis. “When Anthony begins to court Edwina, Kate discovers the true nature of his intentions—a true love match is not high on his priority list—and decides to do everything in her power to stop the union. But in doing so, Kate and Anthony’s verbal sparring matches only bring them closer together, complicating matters on both sides.” Next, here is everything you need to know about Season 2 of Bridgerton!
