Long-time Glee cast member Dot Marie Jones says she may not reprise her role as Coach Beiste in season 5, revealing she hasn’t been invited back yet.
“I’m still waiting to see if I’m coming back to Glee,” Jones told E! News in Las Vegas over the weekend. “I pray to God I am! It’s the best job I’ve had in my life.”
The news of Jones being on the fritz comes following a major Glee cast shake up over the weekend ahead of season 5 shoots commencing. Fox has decided that Amber Riley (Mercedes), Heather Morris (Brittany), Mark Salling (Puck), Dianna Agron (Quinn), and Harry Shum Jr. (Mike Chang) will not return for the fifth outing.
Meanwhile, Glee season 4 newcomers Melissa Benoist (Marley), Jacob Artist (Jake), Becca Tobin (Kitty), Blake Jenner (Ryder), and Alex Newell (Wade/“Unique”) have all been upped to series regulars, meaning they will take on the lead roles in season 5.
“I’m thankful every day [for my job on Glee],” Jones told E! in comments that sounded like she was campaigning for showrunners to let her continue. “I mean, this is my 23rd year in the business and, and then to have two nominations for an Emmy the past two years? It’s surreal.”
E! also confirmed that Naya Rivera will be back. We think Jones’ involvement is still up in the air because scripts for the season are still in the works, thus showrunners are not entirely sure who they need or want back.
Fox announced last week that Glee season 5 will premiere Thursday, September 19. Hit the link to see when your other favorite Fox shows will premiere for the fall season.