The creator of CBBC’s Wolfblood has announced that several key cast members will not be returning in the new season.

Season 4 began filming in Newcastle/Gateshead earlier this month.

Wolfblood writer Debbie Moon confirmed the news on her blog: “The big news is: after three wonderful seasons, Bobby Lockwood (Rhydian), Kedar Williams-Stirling (Tom) and Louisa Connolly-Burnham (Shannon), have all decided to leave the show.”

She commented: “Sad as I am to see them go, I know they’ll be going on to great things, and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing them well in their careers. Like Aimee Kelly (Maddy), they will always be part of our Wolfblood universe…”

She also hinted: “…who knows, they may be back at some point in the future…”

Moon explained: “I know a lot of you will be upset by this – but remember, change is a good thing for a television series. Shows that remain the same throughout their run quickly grow boring and stale, to work on as well as to watch. The inevitable coming and going of cast members is one of the ways that we avoid that.”

She added: “And as a children’s show, we’re very aware that our audience is interested in fellow tweens and teens. Following the same characters for years, into their twenties, simply wouldn’t appeal to our core audience, who are interested in school, home and family. Though it wasn’t our choice for any of the actors who’ve left to leave, their decision does allow Wolfblood to remain faithful to its core audience and ideas.”

12 new episodes will air on CBBC in 2016.

Alongside former wild wolfblood Jana (Leona Vaughan) as the show’s new lead, Season 4 will introduce a number of new characters, including corporate boss Imara (Michelle Gayle), her son TJ (Louis Payne), Matei (Jack Brett Anderson), his sister Emilia (Sydney Wade), and martial arts enthusiast Selina (Rukku Nahar).

Wolfblood launched in 2012 and the third season concluded on CBBC last October, with the wolfbloods facing their toughest challenge yet as Kincaid planned to eradicate their species.

Are you looking forward to Season 4? Let us know below…