Regé-Jean Page was seen returning to the UK on Tuesday after his odds were slashed to become the new favourite to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.
The Bridgerton actor, 31, was spotted touching down at London‘s Heathrow after heading home from Los Angeles where he has been staying recently.
The Netflix star cut a casual figure in a form-fitting grey T-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms, which he wore with a matching unzipped jacket and a pair of trainers.
He’s back! Regé-Jean Page was seen returning to the UK on Tuesday after his odds were slashed to become the new favourite to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond
Regé-Jean cut a low-key figure as he sported a black Billabong cap and a pair of shades, while also covering his face with a coronavirus mask.
His return comes after bookmakers Coral revealed that the newcomer is hot favourite to play the iconic spy role following Craig’s departure from the franchise.
Regé-Jean’s odds have been slashed to 5-2, overtaking long-running favourites Tom Hardy and James Norton – who had previously been the top picks at 3-1.
Casual: The Bridgerton actor, 31, was spotted touching down at London’s Heathrow after heading home from Los Angeles where he has been staying recently
Huge stars including Idris Elba, Sam Heughan, Richard Madden and Henry Cavill are all currently trailing behind the others on 10-1
A spokesman for the bookmakers said: ‘The news that Regé-Jean Page will not be returning for the second series of Bridgerton has prompted plenty of bets from punters who believe he’ll make the perfect James Bond.
‘We now make him favourite, ahead of Tom Hardy, for who succeeds Daniel Craig as 007.’
Back in January, Regé-Jean hinted that he could be a good contender to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond.
After being announced as favourite at the time, Regé-Jean added fuel to the fire when he took to Twitter to share a glimpse of his character Simon Bassett, Duke Of Hastings, and referenced 007’s iconic drink order as he wrote:
‘Regency, royalty Shaken and stirred.’
Hint: After being announced as favourite at the time, Regé-Jean added fuel to the fire when he took to Twitter to share a glimpse of his character Simon Bassett, Duke Of Hastings, and referenced 007’s iconic drink order
The speculation Regé-Jean’s Bond future hit fever pitch after the news broke that he won’t be returning to Bridgerton for a second series.
Regé-Jean later confirmed the show had a ‘one-season arc’ and his character’s story was finalised in one series and he never intended to return.
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.’
The hit Netflix series took to its official Twitter account to reveal that the actor won’t be appearing on season two.
The account confirmed that Regé-Jean’s on-screen wife Phoebe Dynevor will return for the next instalment of the streaming phenomenon.
Regé-Jean, who is set to star in The Gray Man, also took to Instagram to confirm the news as he emotionally said it had been a ‘pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke’.
Shock: The speculation Regé-Jean’s Bond future hit fever pitch after the news broke that he won’t be returning to Bridgerton for a second series (pictured in character)
In a tongue-in-cheek statement penned as the mysterious show lead Lady Whistledown, Bridgerton tweeted: ‘Your Grace, it has been a pleasure.’
The statement 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.’
Statement: The hit Netflix series took to its official Twitter account to reveal that the actor will not be back
Regé-Jean later confirmed his show exit in his own statement posted to Instagram where he shared a picture of himself in character and behind-the-scenes.
He penned: ‘The ride of a life time. It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke.
‘Joining this family – not just on screen, but off screen too. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans – it’s all been beyond anything I could have imagined.’
Signing off his message, he added: ‘The love is real and will just keep growing ❤️❤️❤️.’
Emotional: Regé-Jean later confirmed his show exit in his own statement posted to Instagram where he shared a picture of himself in character and behind-the-scenes
