The Handmaid’s Tale star Alexis Bledel won’t be returning for season five: ‘I felt like I had to step down’

Alexis Bledel will not be returning for season five The story of the maid.

The actor, who has starred as Emily, aka Ofglen, on the acclaimed Hulu drama since the first season debuted in 2017, announced the news in a statement.

“After much thought, I felt I had to take a step back The story of the maid at that time,” she said diversity. “I am forever grateful [showrunner] Bruce Miller for writing such honest and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast and crew for their support.”

A specific reason for their departure was not given.

During their four-year run on The story of the maidBledel received four Emmy nominations and a win for her performance as Emily.

She was best known before Bledel’s role in the dystopian drama opposite Elisabeth Moss Gilmore Girlsin which she starred as Rory Gilmore, a role she reprized in the 2016 year-long Netflix revival.

The fourth season of Margaret Attwood’s novel adaptation began airing in the UK in June last year. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and fans.

A release date for The story of the maid Season five has yet to be announced. In conversation with The IndependentAnn Dowd – who plays Aunt Lydia – confirmed filming of the new season will begin in February 2022.

Showrunner Bruce Miller previously said he “don’t know” if season five will be the drama’s final appearance.

“We talked about it and [Elisabeth Moss] and I’ve talked about it, and the writing team and I have talked at length about exactly where we’re going, but I feel like after this year it’s a good time to reevaluate,” he said The Hollywood Reporter.