"Nashville" has added transgender actress Jen Richards to its Season 5 cast. Meanwhile, Rayna is being rumored to be menaced by a stalker in the new installment.
"Nashville" will introduce its first ever transgender character in Season 5. According to TV Guide, Richards has been tapped to play Allyson Del Lago, a tough and understanding physical therapist who helps a series regular through a difficult time. She will appear in a recurring basis throughout the new season.
Richard's character is being linked to Hayden Panettiere's Juliette, after a casting call revealed that "Nashville" is looking for a trans actor who will "work closely" with the country music superstar. However, this is yet to be confirmed by CMT. Richards' recent credits include "Her Story" and "I am Cait."
In other "Nashville" news, TV Line reported that Rayna James will be menaced by a stalker in Season 5. The news comes after the announcement of Connie Britton's exit after airing ten episodes of the new season. Given that the writers have yet to devise a storyline for Britton's exit, it can be speculated that Rayna's impending departure will be linked to the emergence of the stalker.
There is no official word yet on how the showrunners will write-off Rayna from their story. But with this news, it seems that they are planning to conclude the character's story by a sudden death. Britton's exit, however, is not yet final.
"Nashville" also stars Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Maisy Stella and Chris Carmack. Season 5 premieres on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 9PM on CMT.
