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'Nashville' season 5 news, cast updates: Series to introduce trans character; Connie Britton's character to be written off story?

Sheanne Aguila August 31, 2016 02:53 AM EST

Promotional image for former ABC drama \"Nashville\" | Facebook/NashvilleABC

The upcoming fifth season of CMT's musical drama "Nashville" will shake up the new storyline by introducing the show's first transgender character.

According to TV Guide, casting is currently underway for a new character who will play a pivotal role in Juliette's (Hayden Panettiere) life. Details on the said role remain scarce, except the character is a transgender woman who will have an important part in Juliette's recovery after she survives a plane crash. The accident will not only leave her with bruises and cuts, because her injuries will have a huge impact on her personal life and career as a performer.

There are speculations that the new addition will be a nurse of a physical therapist since her presence will greatly affect Juliette following the traumatic incident. "Nashville" will be joining the few other mainstream scripted shows in the U.S. which features transgender characters including "Orange is the New Black," "Transparent" and "Sense8."

Meanwhile, rumor has it that Connie Britton's character Rayna James will be killed off in the story. As previously reported by Entertainment Weekly, the actress signed up for only 10 out of the full 22 episodes this coming season. Britton is said to be leaving the show, but execs are still trying to get the actress on board for more episodes.

A lot of fans were upset over Britton's alleged plans to exit, but some media outlets speculate that death would only be the best option to write her off the program. "Trying to ignore all the speculations but I'm just throwing it out there that I will NEVER forgive Nashville if they kill off Rayna," a fan with the username TBNashie posted via Twitter recently. Another user IceTear1 also shared her sentiments over the rumors, saying: "Scared now that they will kill Rayna off after EW article. Wouldn't be same show if that will happen."

Britton still has yet to comment on the issue.

"Nashville" returns for its fifth season on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at 9 pm EST on CMT.

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