Fans of Netflix’s hit period piece “Bridgerton” were shocked by the news Friday that the show’s romantic lead and breakout star, Regé-Jean Page, would not appear in Season 2.

The British actor — who played the dashing and commitment-wary Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings — was crucial to the success of “Bridgerton,” which quickly took off with viewers hooked on this story of romance told through a contemporary lens.

Even the unflappable Kim Kardashian was stunned by the announcement of Page’s departure,