Starz’s Step Up series has found its new leading lady in Christina Milian.

Actress and singer Christina Milian has officially joined the cast of Starz’s Step Up series, where she’ll be taking over the role originally played by the late Naya Rivera.

According to Billboard, the team behind the series moved forward with recasting the role after consulting with Rivera’s family. The Glee star tragically passed away in July of 2020.

Prior to her passing in July of 2020, the Glee alum originated the role of Collette, playing the character in the first two seasons of the series back when it was a YouTube original.

Related: Naya Rivera dead at 33, body recovered in California’s Lake Piru

In a statement announcing today’s recasting news, Step Up creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen spoke about how the decision to recast Rivera’s role was not one that was made lightly.

“Naya’s death was terrible loss to our world that we will, frankly, never stop mourning,” said Sorensen. “It was almost impossible to consider there could be someone so graceful and loving who could both help us honor our loss, while also bringing a deep reservoir of talent to our show, in so many areas. Christina is an exceptional human and a dazzling performer and we are happy she has joined our family.”

Meanwhile, Christina Milian released a statement of her own, saying she hopes to honor both Naya Rivera and all of those who loved her with her performance.

“I am so excited to join the Step Up family,” said Milian. “I know I have massive shoes to fill. Naya was incredible. I hope to honor Naya, her family, friends, and fans with a great performance.”