Actress Rakhee Thakrar has announced her exit from the series ahead of Sex Education season 4. The acclaimed British coming-of-age comedy has been a fan favorite on Netflix since its premiere in 2019. The show is set around the fictional Moordale Secondary School and tracks the personal dilemmas and sexual misadventures of its students, teachers, and parents. The series has been praised for its thoughtful approach to its subject matter and for handling relationships and friendships that tend to fluctuate as the characters go through different life situations. Sex Education was renewed for season 4 last September, although production is yet to begin on the new installment.
While anticipation for Sex Education season 4 is higher than ever, fans are slightly worried, considering the recent shake-ups in the ensemble. First, actress Simone Ashely, who starred as the Untouchables member Olivia Hanan, quit the show after she landed herself a leading gig in Netflix's Bridgerton season 2. Later, stars Patricia Allison and Tanya Reynolds announced they would not return for Sex Education season 4 either, leaving fans disheartened. Now, another beloved character won't be in the new season.
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The Radio Times U.K. reports that Rakhee Thakrar, who starred as the English Teacher Emily Sands through Sex Education's first three seasons, confirmed in an interview with The Daily Star that she would not return for season 4. Thakrar did not explain the reason behind her exit, yet she acknowledged that she cherished her time during the show and is thankful for the opportunity Sex Education gave her. Read what she said below.
"I'm not part of the new series. I can't really talk about why. But I'm so proud of the show and grateful to have been part of something so important. There is nothing bad about Sex Education."
Although Thakrar did not explain why she left Sex Education, it does seem that her character has been written off as the show prepares for an overhaul. Season 3 ended with an explosive cliffhanger that saw Moordale shutting down. Fans expected that the new show would somehow reverse that decision. But as Reynolds revealed while confirming her departure, Moordale will remain closed in Sex Education season 4. Instead, the students and staff would split up and attend different schools. Thakrar's Sands, being an experienced teacher, would likely have a bunch of competitive offers from other schools. So she may accept the best opportunity for her career, paving the way for her exit from the show.
Since the diverse storytelling has been such a large part of Sex Education's appeal, it's disappointing to see so many adored characters leaving. But although goodbyes are hard, it would have been impractical and unrealistic to transfer all the students and staff to the same new institution after Moordale. It makes sense that the characters are heading their separate ways based on their interests, especially considering that the end of the series could be near. There is no doubt that Thakkar's supportive and caring teacher would be missed dearly in Sex Education season 4, especially as Otis and Maeve plan their next moves. Thakrar's Emily Sands offered a sense of security to her students. But she already gave them all they needed to make their crucial choices. Now, the students must figure out their lives without their favorite teacher's support, enabling their character evolutions for Sex Education's endgame.
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Source: The Radio Times U.K./ The Daily Star