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Q: Is it true that Lucy Hale was almost Hannah Montana? Can she sing? – K.W.
A: Yes, Lucy Hale, who is best known for her role on the teen drama series “Pretty Little Liars,” is a vocalist as well as an actress. She won “American Juniors,” a children’s spin-off of “American Idol,” and she’s also released several singles over the years.
She also submitted a taped audition for the lead role in the Disney series “Hannah Montana,” but the role eventually went to Miley Cyrus. She did, however, end up guest-starring on another teen sitcom “Drake & Josh.”
Lucy Hale (“Pretty Little Liars”) (Depositphotos photo)
Hale says despite losing out on the role that made Cyrus a star, she is grateful for the experience of auditioning, since it made her want to become an actress.
Q: I was upset to learn that “FBI: International” has been canceled. Is there a chance that Jesse Soffer could return to “Chicago P.D.” now? I hope so. – N.E.
A: CBS recently announced the cancellation of not only “FBI: International” but another spin-off, “FBI: Most Wanted.” While the “FBI” franchise might not be as popular as NBC’s “Chicago,” it’s still a popular commodity for the network, which is why they’re launching a new spin-off to fill the void of both procedurals.
According to Screen Rant, “‘FBI: CIA’ will involve the two named agencies cooperating together to prevent acts of domestic terrorism” with two main characters – one from each agency. It will mostly be set in New York City. While it’s not officially greenlit for the fall schedule, “FBI: CIA” is expected to be premiering then. In fact, the show will first air this spring as a “back-door pilot” during “FBI,” which is the original flagship series that started it all. “FBI” is currently in its seventh season on CBS and airs on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET.
As far as the cast of the new spin-off, no one has been announced, but fans are hopeful that some of their favorite cast members from both “International” and “Most Wanted” will pop up permanently or in guest appearances.
Yes, it’s possible Soffer could return to “Chicago P.D.” in the role he played for 10 seasons. He chose to leave in 2022 to take on new acting challenges, which led him to “FBI: International.” Perhaps he’ll take a break before his next project, wherever it shall be.
Q: What’s the latest on Ted Lasso returning? Is it officially coming back for another season? – T.W.
A: Yes, Jason Sudeikis, who plays the titular role of the eternally optimistic football coach, has made it official! “Ted Lasso” will be back on Apple TV+ for a fourth season. The announcement arrives a full two years since the airing of what was presumed to be the series finale. The actor recently announced on the Kelce Brothers’ “New Heights” podcast that Ted would be coaching a women’s football team this time.
As far as casting news, the only returnees we know for certain in this early stage of development are Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca), Brett Goldstein (Roy) and Jeremy Swift (Higgins).
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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