'Bridgerton': Shonda Rhimes Talks Regé-Jean Page, Fans' Reaction To His Exit

“Bridgerton” producer Shonda Rhimes has spoken up for the first time about Regé-Jean Page’s exit from the hit Netflix period drama.

Earlier this month, Netflix, Shondaland and Page himself left fans shocked after they confirmed that he will not be reprising his role as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, in "Bridgerton" Season 2. In a new interview, Rhimes, who is popular for sensational character deaths, from “Grey’s Anatomy” to “Scandal,” admitted she was not prepared for the way in which fans reacted to Page's departure from the show.

“I was really shocked, because usually that happens when I’ve killed off somebody that’s been around for a while. Like, we didn’t kill him, he’s still alive!” she told Vanity Fair.

She went on to praise Page as an actor and said she believes they did well in casting him as the Duke of Hastings because audiences were moved by his character. However, she also reminded fans that Simon's story is already over and he already had his happy ending with Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor).

“He’s a powerful, amazing actor and that meant we did our job — every season, our job is finding the right people and putting together this incredible, world-shifting romance,” Rhimes said.

“I don’t know that I expected this much of an explosion, given that every book is a different romance. What would be the ever-after of this combo? I mean, really: What would Regé-Jean do, you know what I mean? We gave them their happily ever after! And now we have this next couple coming. And so yeah, I was like, whoa!” she continued.

Meanwhile, “Bridgerton” has been renewed for two more seasons after Season 2. The announcement was made via a special message from Lady Whistledown that was posted on Twitter Tuesday.

“It seems we have a rather special announcement. 'Bridgerton' shall return for seasons three and four. This author shall have to purchase more ink,” the announcement read.

Bela Bajaria, vice president of global television at Netflix, said in a statement that the show "swept us off our feet," Us Weekly reported. She also praised the creative team led by Rhimes.

"The creative team, led by Shonda [Rhimes], knew the material and delivered a beautiful, emotional, romantic drama for our members. They have some exciting plans for the future, and we think audiences will continue to swoon for this show. We’re planning to be in the Bridgerton business for a long time to come," the Netflix exec added.