Regé-Jean Page quashes rumours he'll ever return to Bridgerton as the Duke of Hastings

Dear readers, do you hear that sound?

That's the sound of hearts breaking around the world because Regé-Jean Page has just quashed rumours of his return to Bridgerton.

The 34-year-old left audiences swooning with his role as The Duke of Hastings in the first season of the incredibly popular series - adapted from Julia Quinn's novels.

But while word around the ton was that he might consider returning to the show after quitting following season one, Page has directly shot down the chatter surrounding his return.

Speaking to Variety at the premiere of his brand new Netflix movie The Gray Man, Page revealed he has given his blessing to recast the role of Simon.

When asked what he'd think if the show decided they wanted to bring back the Duke and recast the character with a new actor, he replied: "I mean, they’re free to do as they like.

"Shonda and I had a wonderful conversation at the end of season one. We were quite happy with how we stuck the landing on that one."

The second season of Bridgerton wrote around Page's absence, putting the Duke of Hastings away on business overseas.

Bridgerton is no stranger to recasting characters. Earlier this year, the role of Francesca Bridgerton was recast with a brand new actress due to scheduling conflicts.