It's not looking good.
Earlier this week,
rumours began to swirl that Regé-Jean Page would be reprising his role as Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton season 3.
The actor was reportedly in talks with creators about coming back to the show, with a source telling The Sun that "nothing has been formally confirmed" but to "watch this space".
Then, he sent fans into a frenzy when he reunited with his former co-star Jonathan Bailey in Italy during Milan Fashion Week.
On Wednesday, he shared a photo of the pair to Instagram with the caption: "The boys are back in town."
It wasn't long before the comments section filled with speculative fans.
"The Duke and the Viscount looking so good together... right on time to get back (soon) on set for season 3," one person wrote.
"What is the meaning of this, duke and viscount huh?" another asked.
Responding to the comments, Regé-Jean edited the photo's caption to shoot down the rumours.
"No, I’m not going back to the show btw - the papers made that one up," he wrote.
"But we had the best, and most stylish, catch up I’ve had in a while over some truly excellent Italian coffee and sunshine."
Sigh. Even though we are absolutely devastated, there's still so much more to look forward to in season three.
Nicola Coughlan fans will be delighted to know the new season will
focus heavily on Penelope Featherington.
As per the Netflix's series tradition, the show's storyline centres on a different main character each season. In the first instalment, Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) was the focus, while season two saw Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) step into the limelight.
Now, the show is set to five deeper into Penelope's story and her romance with Colin. When we last left them, Colin had gone off travelling, with Penelope keeping in touch with him through letters
