Netflix’s Bridgerton boss reveals why hunky Regé-Jean Page can NEVER return to show – even for a cameo

NETFLIX'S Bridgerton boss has revealed why hunky Regé-Jean Page can NEVER return to show - even for a cameo.

Fans of the hit period drama were left devastated last month when it was confirmed the hunky actor would not be reprising his role as Simon Basset for the second season.

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Many hoped there would be a way for the actor, 31, to make brief appearances in the future - especially as the show has already been recommissioned for a third and fourth series - but Bridgerton boss Shonda Rhimes has shut those hopes down.

During a chat with , Shonda and Netflix's Bela Bajaria were asked if there were ever instances when clauses were added to actor's contracts so they could make cameos in the future.

Referring to Rege's story arc in season one with Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne Bridgerton, Shonda replied: "I was just excited about the idea of being able to tell a complete romantic tale that has an end, where you're not finding 14 other reasons why the couple can't be together or frankly having Regé stand in the background of somebody else's romance. That doesn't make sense."

Bela added they are simply following the books by Julia Quinn, saying: "Those books really dictated what we did, and we want talent to have an amazing experience and tell the story they're telling authentically, not, 'Oh, can you just come over here and do this little thing?'

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"Like, is that satisfying? Is that what actors want to do? He delivered on his story."

Addressing fan reaction to Rege's character and his exit from the drama, Shonda added: "I don't think I fully expected or understood what releasing all eight episodes around the globe at once was going to do.

"And yeah, I was like, 'I've killed many a man that people adore.'

"I'm so surprised that everybody is [losing it over a character we've watched] for eight episodes leaving. But obviously Regé is an amazing actor and he did an amazing thing and people responded."

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She added: "I also was surprised because the nature of this series is simply, this year it's this couple, this year it's [that] couple."

Shonda previously shut down speculation Regé quit the show after the two butted heads.

She insisted the actor was only ever signed up for one series of the show and did a fantastic job with the character.

Bridgerton series one is available on Netflix.