Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page made history on Saturday when he became the first Zimbabwean to host popular American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show Saturday Night Live.

The British-Zimbabwean star, who plays Simon Basset The Duke of Hastings in the acclaimed Regency-era television series, made his Saturday Night Live debut on Saturday, February 20th. During his SNL debut, the 31-year-old British–Zimbabwean actor mocked the steamy sex scenes on Bridgerton which have made him a household name across the globe.

In his opening monologue, Rege-Jean mocked his reputation as a sex symbol and insisted that he was just a regular guy. Said the Londoner,

“You probably recognize me from Bridgerton, the show that made everyone turn to their moms and say, ‘You know what? Nevermind I don’t think we should watch this together.’

Rege-Jean Page

“It’s a bit of a racy show. And because of that, people may associate me being this smouldering, sexual smoke show.

“But I assure you, I’m just a regular guy.”

He then cheekily added,

“I’m here to show you a good time and explore each other. Does that sound fun to you?”

After the saucy remark, Rege-Jean introduced his “personal liaisons” cast members, including Chloe Fineman, for the hilarious skit and a great show.

Following Rege-Jean’s hosting of last night’s Saturday Night Live, the United States Embassy Harare tweeted its congratulations.

Saturday Night Live is an Award-winning late-night comedy showcase that has aired on Saturday nights on the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) network since 1975. The long-running show has become a fixture of NBC programming and a landmark in American television.

The show’s changing ensemble has been the launching pad for countless performers who have gone on to become major television and motion picture stars.

Page was born in London in the United Kingdom in 1990 to a Zimbabwean nurse and an English priest. However, he spent his childhood in Harare. He moved back to London at the age of 14, where he spent his teenage years and graduated in 2013 from the Drama Centre London.

He is a man of many talents which include singing, dancing, music and comedy. After moving to Los Angeles in 2016, he starred as “Chicken George” in Roots, a remake of the iconic 1970s show. He also played “Leonard Knox,” one of the star characters of Shonda Rhimes’ legal show For The People.