We've watched them discover their identities and their voices.But it looks like after singing and dancing their way into our hearts Glee stars Lea Michele, Chris Colfer and Cory Monteith are finally ready to graduate. Ryan Murphy, co-creator of the hit series, has said that the stars of the show will don caps and gowns at the end of the third season and won’t be returning.
"We made that decision and I involved Chris and Lea and they thought that was a good idea," says Murphy. "They both trust the writing and trust me and felt that it would be great to have an open and closed experience for them to go out while they were on top." And they definitely are on top now. Lea's character big-voiced Barbra Streisand devotee Rachel has just got it together once again with her true love Finn, the jock with surprising musical talent played by Cory. Meanwhile, their gay friend Kurt - Chris in real life - has struggled for acceptance from his macho dad and is now also in a lasting relationship. Despite their hold on the public's affections, it was felt that the characters needed to leave for the integrity of the show.
Creator Ryan said: "You can keep them on the show for six years and people will criticize you for not being realistic, or you can be really true to life and say when they started the show they were very clearly sophomores and they should graduate at the end of their senior year. "Other characters are said to be set to leave the show, and their identities will be revealed during the September 20 premiere.