As Nashville fans come to grips with rumors that the show might lose one of its major stars for the CMT revival, another piece of news is about to spice things up in the musical drama. The show is reportedly looking to cast a transgender character for season 5.

Warning: This article may contain spoilers!

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According to TV Guide, no other details have been revealed about the role except the character is a trans woman who will play a significant role in Juliette’s (Hayden Panettiere) recovery from a plane crash.

As previously mentioned, Panettiere has already signed on for all 22 episodes of season 5, suggesting that her character didn’t die after her plane went missing at the end of last season. However, it doesn’t mean that she’s back on her feet when Nashville returns in January. The plane crash has reportedly left her with major injuries that will significantly affect her personal life and career.

Season 5 of Nashville will feature returning cast members Charles Esten, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen, Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella and Chris Carmack. Connie Britton, on the other hand, has reportedly only signed on for “about 10 episodes.”

What do you think of the news? Do you want to see a transgender character on Nashville? Who do you think should play the new character?

Nashville returns for season 5 Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 9pm on CMT. 

(Image courtesy of ABC)

Dean Bextor

Staff Writer, BuddyTV