Regé-Jean Page reveals ‘awkward’ reason he left Bridgerton WhatsApp group ahead of Netflix’s season 2

BRIDGERTON star Rege-Jean Page opened up on the cringe reason he left the cast's WhatsApp group.

Back in April fans of the period drama were left heartbroken after it was confirmed the hunky actor would not be reprising his role as dreamy Duke of Hastings Simon Basset in the upcoming series.

Despite rumours that the actor, 31, quit because he "didn’t agree" with exec Shonda Rhimes "about his character’s direction," it has been confirmed that he only had a deal for one series.

Rege-Jean was never meant to return as each season will focus on a different novel from best-selling author Julia Quinn.

"The universe has expanded. So I'm no longer in it," the actor recently told GQ about the cast's.

"I respectfully exited. I didn't want to put them in an awkward situation where they had to kick me out."

The in-demand actor also wouldn't reveal any secrets about whether he would return to the popular Netflix series, even as a Cameo.

"You know I couldn't tell you! Isn't there something wonderful about being surprised by what you weren't suspecting?" he said.

Three months after the shocking news of his departure, showrunner Chris Van Dusen opened up about Rege-Jean moving on.

The American television producer told Deadline in July: "I know he's actually about to continue charming the world in really amazing ways and I hope I'm fortunate enough to work with him again."

He added: "He's our duke and he will always be our duke".

Chris also lifted the lid on what viewers of the drama can expect when season two drops.

Without giving too much away, he said: "I don’t think people are going to be ready.

"It’s everything people love so much about the first season but more."

He's also hinted at some major sexual tension between two characters - Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey).

“The two of them are just magnetic,” he confessed to the publication.

Netflix renewed Bridgerton for a second series back in January after being streamed by more than 63 million households since it arrived on Netflix on Christmas Day in 2020.

However the exact air date is yet to be revealed.

Season two will focus on Lord Anthony and the next six series will focus on a different Bridgerton sibling.

With that being said, fans may not have long to wait as Daphne Bridgerton actress Phoebe Dynevor spotted filming back in May.

However yesterday it was revealed that production was brought to a halt after a member of the production team tested positive for Covid.

Bridgerton series one is available to stream on Netflix.