Jayma Mays is the latest star to announce her departure from Glee, as the future of the musical show has suddenly been thrown into question.
Mays made her announcement this week at the premiere for Smurfs 2.
“This is going to be my last season,” Jayma told Access Hollywood.
Even before the unexpected death of Cory Monteith earlier this month, there were rumors that the show could not return after the upcoming season. The show is centered on a group of high school students, so turnover is necessary to keep with the story line, but this year seems to be quite an exodus.
In June it was announced that five original cast members were leaving — Dianna Agron, Heather Morris , Mark Salling, Amber Riley, and Harry Shum Jr. The actors were no longer considered regulars, but were open to guest appearances.
Jayma Mays also said she could return for some appearances, but her part on the show was much more pivotal. She played school counselor Emma Pillsbury, the wife Matthew Morrison’s Will Scheuster.
“I’m finishing up this season, so I’m not sure what direction and who’s coming on and who’s not,” Mays said at the premiere for Smurfs 2 this week.
Glee will be getting one big-name addition to its cast in American Idol star Adam Lambert, but the departures and the death of Monteith could spell an end for the show. Producers have not announced how they will work Monteith’s death into the plot and what will happen to his central character, Finn Hudson.
Though Jayma Mays is leaving Glee, she won’t be gone from television. The actress just picked up a role on the upcoming CBS sitcom The Millers, which also stars Will Arnett.
