Regé-Jean Page’s Risqué Bridgerton Revelation: Behind the Scenes of the Duke’s Steamiest Moments
When Bridgerton debuted on Netflix in December 2020, it redefined the period drama, blending Regency-era romance with modern flair and a diverse cast. At the heart of its record-breaking 82 million household views in 28 days was Regé-Jean Page, whose portrayal of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, turned him into an overnight sensation. His electric chemistry with Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne Bridgerton, especially in the show’s steamy sex scenes, had fans swooning and social media buzzing. Now, a cheeky revelation from Page—“I Had My Mouth Full”—has reignited fascination with the behind-the-scenes magic (and mischief) of those iconic moments. This risqué comment, dripping with his signature charm, pulls back the curtain on the challenges, humor, and dedication that went into crafting Bridgerton’s most unforgettable scenes. Here’s why Page’s confession is sparking a frenzy and what it reveals about his time as the Duke.
The Duke’s Allure: Setting the Stage
Bridgerton, produced by Shonda Rhimes and based on Julia Quinn’s novel The Duke and I, follows Daphne Bridgerton’s quest for love in 1813 London’s high society. Enter Simon Basset, a brooding aristocrat who vows never to marry but agrees to a fake courtship with Daphne to dodge marriage-minded debutantes. Their pretense soon ignites real passion, leading to a whirlwind romance packed with longing glances, lavish balls, and, yes, plenty of intimate encounters. From a rain-soaked tryst in a stone temple to a scandalous library rendezvous, Simon and Daphne’s love story pushed boundaries, earning headlines like “How Much of Regé-Jean Page’s Butt Do We See?” and cementing Bridgerton as a cultural phenomenon.
Page, a British-Zimbabwean actor with roots in Harare and London, was relatively unknown before Bridgerton. His prior roles in Waterloo Road, Roots, and Shondaland’s For the People showcased his talent, but playing Simon catapulted him to global fame. His chiseled physique, soulful eyes, and commanding presence made him the perfect Duke, while his off-screen wit and humility endeared him to fans. Yet, filming those steamy scenes was no easy feat, and Page’s “I Had My Mouth Full” quip offers a tantalizing glimpse into the less glamorous side of his Bridgerton experience.
The Revelation: Decoding “I Had My Mouth Full”
Page’s cheeky comment, delivered with his trademark playful smirk, likely refers to the lighthearted chaos of filming Bridgerton’s intimate scenes. Picture the scene: Page and Dynevor, locked in a passionate embrace for the camera, are navigating a carefully choreographed moment—only to be hampered by the realities of a long shooting day. One key factor? Their mutual love for coffee, which led to what Page has described as a “coffee safe space.” Before filming, they agreed to embrace their post-lunch coffee breath rather than fuss with mints or garlic bans, a pact that ensured authenticity but added a humorous twist to their close-up kisses. “I Had My Mouth Full” could be Page’s tongue-in-cheek nod to this, implying his mouth was full of coffee’s lingering taste—or perhaps the sheer intensity of delivering passionate lines and kisses in rapid succession.
Alternatively, the remark might allude to the physical demands of the shoots. To maintain modesty, Page endured sticky tape to secure certain areas, a process he likened to a “free Brazilian wax” every time it was removed. The phrase could be a playful exaggeration of the awkwardness of managing tape, costumes, and choreography while “fully committed” to the scene’s passion. Whatever the exact context, the comment captures Page’s ability to find humor in the grind, turning a potentially embarrassing moment into a fan-pleasing anecdote that humanizes the Duke’s godlike persona.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Bridgerton’s Heat
Filming Bridgerton’s sex scenes was a masterclass in precision and professionalism. Unlike the spontaneous passion viewers saw, every touch, kiss, and glance was meticulously planned. An intimacy coordinator, Lizzy Talbot, ensured the actors’ comfort, choreographing scenes like stunts to eliminate risks. Page and Dynevor rehearsed with yoga balls and props to block movements, freeing them to focus on emotion rather than logistics. Their first scene together, a bold library moment where Simon pleasures Daphne, set the tone. Despite its risqué nature, the actors’ trust in Talbot and each other made it a safe space, with Page noting that the choreography felt as natural as any other scene.
The physical preparation was equally intense. Page adopted a “full Rocky regime,” waking at 5 a.m. daily to train with a coach who pushed him to build the Duke’s chiseled physique. This wasn’t just vanity—Simon’s physicality, from his boxing scenes to his romantic encounters, was central to his character. The training paid off, but it came with pain, both in the gym and on set, where the aforementioned tape tested Page’s endurance. Add in the challenge of filming in diverse locations—a library, a lawn, a country estate—and it’s clear why Page might jokingly say his “mouth was full” of effort, coffee, or even the occasional laugh at the absurdity of it all.
The actors’ camaraderie also shaped the experience. Page and Dynevor, both in their early 30s at the time, bonded over the shared challenge of baring their souls (and more) on screen. Their coffee breath pact, while unglamorous, was a testament to their trust, ensuring they could laugh off imperfections and focus on chemistry. Dynevor praised Page’s professionalism, noting how their rehearsals made even the most exposed moments feel safe. This rapport translated on screen, making Simon and Daphne’s romance believable and electric, even if it meant awkward moments for their families watching at home.
The Fallout: Fans, Family, and Fame
Page’s revelation isn’t just about coffee or tape—it’s about the whirlwind that followed Bridgerton’s release. The show’s success, amplified by its Christmas 2020 debut during global lockdowns, turned Page into an instant sex symbol. Fans flooded social media with thirst tweets, and articles ranked his scenes by, well, visibility. This adoration came with pressure, including rumors of an off-screen romance with Dynevor (which both denied) and harassment of Page’s partner, Emily Brown, by overzealous fans. Page’s decision to leave after Season 1, announced in April 2021, shocked viewers, though he and Shonda Rhimes clarified it was always a one-season arc. His exit, driven by a desire to pursue diverse roles like The Gray Man and Dungeons & Dragons, sparked debate, with some praising his ambition and others lamenting the Duke’s absence.
For Page’s family, the steamy scenes were a mixed bag. His parents, a Zimbabwean nurse and an English preacher, and extended relatives in Harare and London were warned via a family WhatsApp group, complete with “red light” emojis for risqué episodes. One cousin, however, missed the memo, messaging Page about her “tactical cups of tea” to avoid the spicier moments. Page took it in stride, noting his family’s theater background made them unfazed, though he admitted watching himself was “overwhelming.” His lighthearted “I Had My Mouth Full” quip reflects this balance—acknowledging the awkwardness while celebrating the show’s impact.
The Bigger Picture: Bridgerton’s Legacy
Page’s revelation underscores Bridgerton’s groundbreaking approach to romance. Unlike traditional period dramas, it embraced diversity, casting actors of color like Page in lead roles, not as a “colorblind” gimmick but as a reflection of historical reality. The show’s female gaze, emphasized by Dynevor, flipped the script on male-driven narratives, with Daphne’s perspective driving the sex scenes’ intimacy. This resonated with audiences craving escapism during the pandemic, making Bridgerton Netflix’s biggest series at the time. Page’s role as Simon, a Black Duke navigating love and trauma, challenged stereotypes and earned him an NAACP Image Award and an Emmy nomination.
The “I Had My Mouth Full” comment also highlights the human side of stardom. Page’s willingness to share the messy, funny realities of filming—coffee breath, sticky tape, early mornings—demystifies the glamour, showing the grit behind the fantasy. It’s a reminder that even the Duke, with his flawless charm, was a product of hard work, collaboration, and a few laughs along the way. Fans have eaten up these anecdotes, flooding social media with praise for Page’s candor and nostalgia for Season 1’s magic.
What’s Next for Page
Since Bridgerton, Page has carved a versatile path. His roles in The Gray Man (2022), Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), and the upcoming spy thriller Black Bag (2025) showcase his range, from action to fantasy to espionage. He’s also explored music with his brother Tose in their duo Tunya and voiced projects addressing Black joy. While he’s ruled out a Bridgerton return, calling it a “beautifully closed book,” he’s expressed gratitude for the show’s impact, noting its role in uniting audiences during tough times. Rumors of him as the next James Bond persist, though Page coyly dodges the “B-word,” focusing on roles that challenge him.
As Bridgerton continues with Seasons 3 and 4, focusing on other siblings like Colin and Benedict, Page’s legacy as Simon endures. His revelation about the scenes reminds fans why they fell for the Duke—not just for his smolder but for the authenticity he brought to every moment, on and off screen.
Final Thoughts
Regé-Jean Page’s “I Had My Mouth Full” confession is more than a cheeky soundbite—it’s a window into the heart and humor of Bridgerton’s creation. From coffee-fueled kisses to taped-up modesty, Page’s behind-the-scenes stories reveal the dedication that made Simon and Daphne’s romance a global obsession. His candor, paired with his trailblazing role, cements his place as a Bridgerton icon, even as he charts new horizons. Whether you’re rewatching Season 1 or dreaming of the Duke’s return, this revelation is a delicious reminder of why Bridgerton burned so brightly. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a mint), settle in, and let Page’s charm sweep you away once more.
