Sex Education star Tanya Reynolds has announced her departure from the hit series.
Since 2019, TV enthusiasts have immersed themselves in the popular LGBTQ+ inclusive Netflix project.
While viewers have praised the show for its groundbreaking storylines and sex-positive themes, fans have also lauded the series for its diverse batch of characters.
With the series officially renewed for a fourth season, fans have been eager to return to the fictional halls of Moordale Secondary School.
Unfortunately, Reynolds’ beloved character Lily Iglehart will not be joining Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield) and company for the forthcoming season.
On 13 July, the 30-year-old revealed the disappointing news during an interview with Radio Times.
“I’m not [returning], actually, which is sad, very sad,” she told the publication.
“It’s just the natural progression of these shows – when you have such a big ensemble cast and so many characters, I think you have to let a few older characters go to make way for newer ones, which is absolutely the right thing, the way it should happen.”
Even though her time on the show has ended, Reynolds holds no hard feelings, stating: “I loved every minute of it, and I loved Lily with my whole entire heart. Three seasons was just a really perfect amount for me.”
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The news of Reynolds’ departure comes only a few days after Patricia Allison – who plays her on-screen girlfriend Ola Nyman – announced her own exit from the series.
“I absolutely have loved being on Sex Education so, so much, playing Ola. But unfortunately, I won’t be joining the team for season four,” she revealed to Captial Xtra.
“I’m so sorry to have to break that to you guys but umm, I’m just going to be doing some other little things, some other opportunities have come up. So, I’ve been doing it for three years and I’ve, like, genuinely loved it.”
Even though her decision to leave was bittersweet, the 27-year-old told the news outlet that she was excited about the future.
“I love the show. [But you] have to say goodbye sometimes, which is kind of sad. But other things are coming,” she added.
You can watch the first three seasons of Sex Education on Netflix.