'Bridgerton' season 2 releases new photos - but fans are still devastated the Duke has gone

Bridgerton has released some new first-look snaps of season two - but fans of the Netflix period drama still can't get over the Duke not being in it.

Regé-Jean Page was the star of the first series as the Duke of Hastings Simon Basset, and was known for his steamy romance storyline with Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor.

Read more: Phoebe Dynevor was ready to leave acting before Bridgerton role

Although the couple married and are apparently living a happy life in the realms of the show, it was announced last year that the Duke's part in the story was over and Page would not rejoin the cast for season two, although Dynevor has returned.

In newly-released photos, Daphne can be seen in discussion with her brother Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) who takes centre stage this time as he searches for a wife.

But disappointed fans couldn't forget the Duke, as one tweeted: "#Bridgerton without Rege-Jean will be incomplete. The handsome Duke will be missed. But I can’t wait for the new season and Anthony’s story."

Someone else wrote: "Will skip #bridgerton, just like #nosexandthecity. I watched it for the Duke."

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Another person added: "Who wants #Bridgerton without the #Duke ? I do not! It was the Duke for me!"

One fan tweeted: "It's not gonna be the same without @regejean"

However, Bridgerton fans still found plenty to look forward to in season two, which will be released on 25 March - in particular, the love story between Anthony and new character Kate Sharma, played by Simone Ashley.

First-look pictures showed Kate and Anthony dancing together at a party and posing with shotguns together in the woods.

One fan commented: "How can one photo have such chemistry."

Another person tweeted: "I cannot deal with their level of chemistry. And this is one still, from halfway through the season..."

Showrunner Chris Van Dusen shared some of the stills on Twitter and as one fan asked of the shotgun picture "Tell me this means we have another Taylor Swift song in this season", he replied "The soundtrack this season is insane."

A photo of Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and best friend Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) prompted many fans to ask whether Eloise was pregnant as she appeared to have a small bump under her dress.

Coughlan also shared the photo, tweeting: "#Bridgerton Season Two- Lady Whistledown has got some things to say..."

Another talking point for eager viewers was a very glam shot of the Featheringtons, which shows they have cast aside their usual loud colour palette in favour of muted tones.

One fan commented on Penelope: "SHE IS NOT IN BRIGHT YELLOW: VICTORYYY"

Someone else added: "And not the starburst tropical fruit variety pack! God I love this cast!"

Another fan agreed: "Stunning wardrobe, absolutely breathtaking—no more family colors."

Bridgerton season two will begin streaming on Netflix on Friday, 25 March.

Watch: Phoebe Dynevor says 'Daphne is her own person' in Bridgerton season 2