Netflix's Sex Education has been a smash hit and a fan favourite since it first appeared on our screens in 2019 – highlighting sex and love in all its weird and wonderful forms.
Moordale Secondary School's often-raunchy tales (for students, teachers and parents alike) hit just the right spot for viewers all over the world, sending their stars into the spotlight and making them some of the most in-demand British actors in the industry.
While Aimee Lou Wood (who plays Aimee) won a BAFTA for her role, others are now being touted in Hollywood and beyond – with Ncuti Gatwa (Eric) confirmed as the next Doctor Who, and Emma Mackey (Maeve), Connor Swindells (Adam) and Gatwa starring alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the much-anticipated Barbie movie.
However, with this comes a catch, as it means some other cast members won't be returning for Sex Education season four as it goes into production in the UK in 2022.
Here's who won't be back for the upcoming fourth season, as well as their reasons for leaving.
Simone Ashley
Simone Ashley had a recurring role in the first three seasons of Sex Education as 'Untouchable' member Olivia, who seeks help from Otis in the second season when she is worried about showing her boyfriend her ugly orgasm face.
While that's quite a memorable moment in the series, actress Simone is now better known for her role as Kate in the second season of Bridgerton. In March, she confirmed she would be back for the third season of that show, as reported by Deadline.
"We're going to be back! Kate and Anthony [Jonathan Bailey] are just getting started," she said. "In season two there was a lot of push and pull between Kate and Anthony, there were complications with the family, and then they find each other towards the end.
"I think everything is just starting. I'd like to see Kate just let go a bit more and play more in season three and kind of swim in that circle of love together. I think they both deserve it."
She later confirmed in April 2022 that meant she wouldn't be back for Sex Education, explaining on This Morning to Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: "I get asked that all the time. No, I'm a Bridgerton girl now."
Season three of Bridgerton is currently filming, and Simone also has a role in the upcoming live-action Disney adaptation of The Little Mermaid.
Patricia Allison
Patricia Allison played Ola – Jakob's daughter and Otis' girlfriend before she started dating Lily – in the first three seasons of Sex Education.
However, in an interview with Capital Xtra, Patricia confirmed she would not be appearing in season four.
"I know, I absolutely have loved being on Sex Education so so much, and playing Ola but unfortunately, I won't be joining the team for season four," she said.
"I'm so sorry to have to break that to you guys but, I'm just going to be doing some other little things, some other opportunities have come up. So, I've been doing it for three years and I've, like, genuinely loved it."
Those opportunities include the lead role in an action movie named Paradise, due for release later this year, and a part in comedy series Extraordinary, starring Derry Girls' Siobhan McSweeney.
Tanya Reynolds
Lily was one of the stand-out characters of Sex Education, the eccentric alien-loving and sexually experimental student who at the end of season three was in a wholesome relationship with Otis's ex/potential future step-sister, Ola.
But Tanya Reynolds, who played the character, exclusively told Digital Spy she has bowed out of the series and won't be back for season four, explaining she wanted to leave on a high note.
"I think that for Lily, her storyline was just wrapped up quite nicely at the end of season three. So she's got no loose ends to tie up, she had quite a happy ending," she said.
"At the end of last season, everyone kind of gets scattered, and I think that's just a good opportunity to bring in some new characters. I will absolutely miss [her]. I love, love Lily with my whole entire being and I had the best time on those three seasons, and I will miss it for sure. I will miss Lily and I will miss the gang.
"But it just kind of feels very right. It feels like time. It felt like it was my time."
Tanya will next be seen in a leading role in Channel 4's new sitcom I Hate You, which is set to air in August.
Rakhee Thakrar
Rakhee Thakrar, previously seen on EastEnders, played teacher Emily Sands for the last three seasons, but has confirmed she won't be back for the fourth.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, she said: "I'm not part of the new series. I can't really talk about why.
"But I'm so proud of the show and grateful to have been part of something so important. There is nothing bad about Sex Education."
Miss Sands was one of the more beloved teachers at Moordale School, with storylines focusing on mentoring Maeve Wiley and her relationship with fellow Moordale teacher Colin Hendricks (played by Jim Howick).
But with Moordale School threatened with closure, it makes sense that Emily won't be back.
Sex Education seasons 1 to 3 are available to watch on Netflix.
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