How did Hayden Panettiere react to Connie Britton’s exit from Nashville? Recently, the star spoke with Access Hollywood about the shocking moment from the CMT series.
On a recent episode of the drama’s fifth season, Britton’s character (Rayna James) died unexpectedly. The star’s exit comes at a tricky time for the show. This is the first season of Nashville to air on CMT after ABC cancelled the series last year.
On Access Hollywood, Panettiere said she was “terrified” for Britton to leave:
I was terrified, because she has always been there from the beginning, and we have always been such a team — and such a support for one another, and our characters. I felt like, ‘Oh my gosh, we are all going to have to carry this show without her.’ That’s a really overwhelming idea.”
She mentioned that when she found out about Rayna’s death, she had trouble accepting it:
Honestly, I am not quite sure I was ready to accept it. So, I didn’t really look to see what other people’s reactions were because I assumed that they felt just as much sorrow as I did.”
Watch the full interview below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SouItgmnM1E&feature=youtu.be
What do you think? Are you a fan of Nashville? Will you watch the show without Britton?
She was my favorite character and kept that show alive I will not watch Nashville anymore I’ve been a fan from first day
They should bring her back as if she was seeing her future and she could fix all the problems she was having and kick her sister to the curve. Those girls need there mama so sad last night bring her back with spilt personality to the evil side,this would bring the fans what they need. Rayna only out to get those that hurt her in the past. The show must go on.
I will continue to watch because I like most of the characters. But, why even bring it back with Rayna dying? Disappointed. I don’t think it will last. The acting in March 2nd episode was superb.
I am so upset of the passing of Rayna. She was oneof the stars of the show. My heart is sad. I love this show but did not expect to see such a horrible saddness.There was no mention that she was leaving the show. Why did she have to go. Thank you so much for renewing the show. I so look forward to watching each week. Thanks for listening. Big Fan
I really feel the show should go on !! It has a great storyline and no reason to end it because one character has left the shoe. It would be so easy for Hayden to be now the new main character and own Highway 65 !!
We have been watching from the beginning and found her death a shock. I had noticed that the CMT version seemed more about the drama going on than the music. We will continue to watch but with CB gone, there will be a big hole.
Because of the fan base, Nashville was renewed and now CB leaves the show. I think was not very nice of her or the writers or whoever decides these things. We begged for more of Nashville and this is how we get paid? Thanks alot!
Marian I love watching Nashville love the actors
I really feel that after our begging you to bring the show back & then wiping out one of the main characters we as fans have truly be let down. So depressing! This was a great show why destroy it?
Yes it is very sad that Connie, Rayna James is no longer on the show. She was the star and so very good. It is not the same. It truly is the best TV show on. All the others are violent, too much sex, language bad. Why did they take her off the show???
I am devastated that Connie Britton has left the show I have watched since the show first aired….. 🙁 …. I wish you all the best Ms. Britton also wishing you good luck in what you move onto next…. I am a die hard Nashville fan I have faith that the show however hard it will be to get used to will do just fine I will continue to watch …
Nashville without Rayna James is like House without House–although her name wasn’t in the title, she was the heart and soul of the show and without her it won’t last..sorry Hayden P–you’re great but ..not gonna happen i/m/o. Maybe one more season that’s about it.
I started watching this show in 2015 while I was visiting family in Ireland for four months. Shortly before my trip there, I had moved from California to Nashville. I was still very much homesick for California & not so sure about Nashville yet. When I told people that I met in Ireland that I lived in Nashville, they started gushing about the show, telling me I had to watch it. On one particularly bad hangover morning, I finally caved and watched the Pilot. Then I watched another. And another. I was hooked. I was captivated by the characters, the… Read more »
I am very disappointed with Ms. Britton getting to big for her britches and leaving I really hope the show goes on without her we loved it and were glad cmt picked it up, but i guess it wasn’t good enough for her so where ever she ends up this family and friends will not watch, tired of no loyalty to the other cast members and the audience, washed up ! will boycott anything she tries to do……just nasty
Life does go on it was time for her to go. We don’t know the circumstances of her exit. Frankly I think it was time for her to go. She was getting a little stale. Her character was getting too big for her bridges. I’ve been watching the show religiously from the first episode I’ve never missed one episode. I’m a black lady who’s not even a country fan I don’t listen to this type of music but the show just drew me in and I love it. I love the show I love the characters I will not stop… Read more »
What was the reason she was written out?????
She moved onto other projects. It happens. Fans don’t like it but it happens. Maybe no extra amount of money would change her mind. Sad though. Not sure how ti will succeed without a main character.
The show shoots in Nashville, she lives in California the rest of the year and she has a son is in the first grade, which likely had something to do with her decision. That, and having been a series regular in sixteen of the last twenty years (on four different series) may have contributed to her desire to leave.
Not to mention her distaste for some recently passed Tennessee laws…
I am torn…I still love all the other actors and of course my heart breaks for Deacon…I just don’t know??????????????
I only watched it because i liked the show with Rayna and Deacon and now i am not going to watch it anymore. I was happy that they came back but not for this to happen. So i won’t be watching anymore thanks.