Actor Jussie Smollett will not be returning to TV show Empire.
On Tuesday, Fox announced it is renewing the drama for a sixth season but without Smollett's character, at least for now.
'By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to Empire,' the media corporation said in a statement, as reported by Variety.
The fact Fox negotiated 'an extension' to Smollett's contract means that technically he could make a return at some later point.
But it might also just be the result of a bargain struck between the actor and the network which would see him paid by Fox in return for picking up his option even though he won't be back on screen.