Adjoa Andoh dishes on Regé-Jean Page's exit from Bridgerton
Although fans were shocked at Regé-Jean Page's decision to leave Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh was not.
Talking to Daily Pop, the actress explained Page's role as the Duke of Hastings on the popular Netflix series would have been significantly smaller in the second season, as it focuses more on Jonathan Baily's character, Anthony Bridgerton.
"We're following the overriding framework of Julia Quinn's beautiful novels," she said. "There are eight Bridgerton children: one down, seven to go."
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Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings in Netflix's Bridgerton. Netflix
Andoh, whose character Lady Danbury is a mother figure to the Duke of Hastings, says although she'll miss working with Page, his departure wasn't a shock.
"We all love Regé and we're all going to miss Regé but it's not a huge surprise," she admitted, adding she'll miss his sense of humour.
Page's departure from the Shonda Rhimes series was announced via a notice from Lady Whistledown last month.
"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," the message read.
The cast of Netflix's Bridgerton. Netflix
"We'll miss Simon's presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family," it continued. "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."
Although fans are still coming to terms with the thought of a Duke of Hastings-less Bridgerton; the short-term commitment was part of the appeal that drew Page to the role in the first place.
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"It's a one-season arc. It's going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year," Page told Variety. "[I thought] 'That's interesting,' because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on."
Although Andoh is sure it won't change the relationship they've formed on set.
"He's a lovely man," the actress said. "And he'll be my friend for life."
READ MORE: Everything we know so far about Bridgerton Season 2
