While scant information has emerged as to why he left, with reports suggesting it was always supposed to be a "one season gig", Page has revealed in a new interview he is no longer in the cast's group chat on WhatsApp.
Speaking to Britain's GQ, Page said: "The universe has expanded. So I'm no longer in it."
However, Page added that he wasn't kicked out. "I respectfully exited. I didn't want to put them in an awkward situation where they had to kick me out."
The magazine claims Page didn't rule out a possible cameo in the upcoming season, which has been rocked by Covid delays during filming.
"You know I couldn't tell you!" he said. "Isn't there something wonderful about being surprised by what you weren't suspecting?"
The April announcement regarding his departure, which was formatted as a letter from the show's mysterious gossip, Lady Whistledown, 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."
Page is next set to feature in the upcoming film, The Gray Man, which is made by Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame's Russo brothers, alongside Ryan Gosling, Chris Pine and Chris Evans.
