'Glee' Cast Not Leaving Show After Graduation!

Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, and Chris Colfer will NOT be leaving Glee after their graduation at the end of season three, according to executive producer Brad Falchuk.

“Here’s the exact thing: They’re seniors. They’re graduating. But that doesn’t mean they’re leaving the show,” Brad said (via Deadline) during the show’s Comic-Con 2011 panel. “It was never our intention or plan to let these people go… They are not done with the show after this season.”

Brad also confirmed that Chord Overstreet will not be returning for the third season.

“He decided he would have opportunities elsewhere that he would like to pursue, and we can’t force him to work. We told him to go with god,” he said.

Other highlights from the panel: A spinoff in New York City with Rachel and Kurt will not be happening, Mercedes will have a boyfriend next season, and a tribute episode may happen in the season’s second half!

Pictured inside: Jenna Ushkowitz (in a Twenty8Twelve top and skirt and Rene Caovilla heels), Harry Shum, Jr., Darren Criss, and Dot Marie Jones at the panel.