Regé-Jean Page’s turn as Bridgerton's first leading man Simon Basset, the Duke Of Hastings, was nothing short of electric, but viewers were stunned when he didn't return to the show. Bridgerton season 1, which featured Phoebe Dynevor's Daphne Bridgerton coming out into society, was a massive success for Netflix, and Page's chemistry with Dynevor was a huge reason the show resonated with audiences.

Bringing charisma, vulnerability, and a modern energy to the series, Page's performance was captivating for audiences who craved the emotional intensity of a period piece with a different flair. Viewers latched onto Page because of his magnetism on screen. His brooding presence grounded the romance, and his performance helped make Bridgerton into the cultural phenomenon it has become

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