Check out our review of the season 8 premiere: ‘House’ Season 8 Premiere Review & Discussion

This past season of House has already been tough on the series’ many fans. With a general shift in direction, “unique” storylines and an uncertain future, fans of the series have barely had a chance to catch their breath.

While it was previously announced that House will return to Fox for season 8, it appears that they will be one (wo)man down, as Lisa Edelstein has decided not to return for what many are calling House’s final season.

According to TVLine, an inside source is reporting that Edelstein had “opted not to return,” but no additional information was provided. With Fox and NBC Universal declining to comment, and Edelstein’s camp staying mum, one has to wonder what’s behind her decision to leave the series.

Whatever it was, it must have happened recently, because Edelstein had nothing but high hopes for House season 8:

“Nobody at work seems to think it won’t [return]. Everybody wants to come to a deal, and I certainly am looking forward to a Season 8.”

Even though it appears that Edelstein is the sole House cast member not to return for season 8, she was far from the first one to discuss not returning to the show. With a new gig on Broadway, everyone’s favorite Dr. Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) was waxing poetic about how great life would be if he didn’t have to film the series and was allowed to pursue other interests (like spending time with his family).

House The Dig REview

Since everyone involved with this situation is staying quiet, one must believe that negotiations are ongoing. Since House was forced to cut its budget to receive an eighth season, it’s very possible that Edelstein is holding out for more money – especially if everyone believes that this will be the final season of House.

Although, another reason for everyone to decline commenting is that there’s a reason why Edelstein won’t be reprising her role as Cuddy…. because she’s dead. While it does seem to be a bit farfetched, this past season has certainly proven that anything could happen – and if Cuddy dies, Edelstein obviously wouldn’t be able to return for next season.

[Updated]

Lisa Edelstein released a statement:

“After much consideration, I am moving onward with a combination of disappointment at leaving behind a character I have loved playing for seven years and excitement of the new opportunities in acting and producing that lie ahead.”

With this announcement it appears that Edelstein’s disappointment may be in reference to the budget cuts required to produce House season 8. Since the House season 7 finale has already been filmed, and Edelstein referenced that she’s going to be “leaving behind a character,” it looks as if Lisa Cuddy is safe from television’s proverbial grim reaper… for now.

This story is still breaking…. We will update you as more information is released.

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House airs Mondays @8pm on Fox

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Source: TVLine