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'Nashville' season 5 cast, spoilers news 2016: Transgender actress Jen Richards lands recurring role; casting underway for new male lead

Sheanne Aguila September 15, 2016 01:05 AM EST

Promotional image for the CMT drama series \"Nashville\" | Facebook/Nashville

Transgender actress and activist Jen Richards will be joining the upcoming fifth season of CMT's country-musical drama "Nashville."

"Her Story" star Richards recently landed a recurring role in the series as Allyson Del Lago. She is a tough but caring physical therapist who helps one of the series regulars deal with a very difficult challenge. There are speculations that she will be assisting Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) after sustaining injuries from the plane crash previewed in the season 4 finale. Richards' casting marks the first transgender character and first out transgender actor on CMT.

Richards joins Grammy winner Rhiannon Giddens, who is also a co-founder of the string band Carolina Chocolate Drops. Giddens portrays the recurring role of Hanna Lee "Hallie" Jordan, a young social worker who turns out to be a great singer. She is set to appear in three episodes for season 5, but there is a possibility of her appearing in more. Giddens will make her debut as Hallie in the premiere episode titled "The Wayfaring Stranger," which will be directed by series creator Callie Khouri.

Meanwhile, casting is currently underway for a new male character named Clay. Physically, the creators are looking for an African American actor between 21 and 26 years old. According to the official casting call, Clay is described as an outgoing, charming and creative musician who suffers from intense mood swings. His style in music is "eclectic, with modern elements but also nods to roots Black music, Bluegrass, and even classic Country."

Returning cast members also include Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen, Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella and Chris Carmack. Series regulars Will Chase and Aubrey Peeples, on the other hand, have already exited the series.

The fifth season of "Nashville" officially premieres on Thursday, Jan. 5, at 9 p.m. ET on CMT.

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