REGE-Jean Page was spotted for the first time since revealing the devastating news that he would not be returning to Bridgerton.
He cut a casual figure as he lifted a heavy suitcase out of his apartment in Los Angeles as speculation grows that he will be named the next James Bond.
Rege-Jean wore a figure hugging grey t-shirt over black joggers and a black jacket tied around his waist.
His aviator sunglasses were tucked safely into his t-shirt and he stored his essential items in a black Louis Vuitton backpack.
The actor showed off his muscles as he hoisted his blue and grey suitcase into the waiting chauffeured car in North Hollywood.
He finished off the look with a white K95 face mask to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus.
The Duke of Hastings actor, 31, sparked uproar yesterday after it was revealed he is bowing out after just one season.
He told Variety: “It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year.
‘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.”
It’s believed filming for the second series will begin this month and that the story will focus on Andrew Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey.
Phoebe Dynevor, 25, is expected to return as Daphne Bridgerton – but there is swirling speculation about what the next move is for Rege-Jean.
The news of him leaving Bridgerton has moved bookies to slash odds on him being unveiled as the next James Bond after Daniel Craig.
He is now second favourite to bag the part, sitting slightly behind in the running to Tom Hardy.
Jessica O’Reilly of Ladbrokes said: “Bridgerton and Bond fans have quickly put 2+2 together and the odds suggest Rege-Jean Page is a serious contender to soon don the famous 007 tuxedo.”
Appearing on Graham Norton in February, the actor refused to deny he was going for the movie role.
He said: “Bridgerton is the only ‘B” word I am allowed to say – I am not going to talk about the other ‘B’ words!”
Regé, 31, became a overnight star as the leading character Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, in Bridgerton.
Netflix yesterday confirmed Regé was not returning to the show today and posted a statement, written in the style of the era of Bridgerton.
It read: “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.
“We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.
“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.
“Yours truly, Lady Whistledown.”
