GLEE's Melissa Benoist, Jacob Artist, Becca Tobin, Blake Jenner and Alex Newell Upped to Series Regulars

The Hollywood Reporter writes that GLEE's Melissa Benoist (Marley), Jacob Artist (Jake), Becca Tobin (Kitty), Blake Jenner (Ryder) and Alex Newell (Unique) have been promoted to series regulars.

Read the original report here.

The news comes just after FOX execs confirmed that series staples Heather Morris, Amber Riley, Mark Salling, and Harry Shum, Jr. will not return as regulars for the fifth season. Dianna Agron will also depart the series, except for an occasional guest appearance. Jayma Mays has also just joined the CBS' comedy The Millers, and her future with Glee remains uncertain.

Kevin Reilly, Chairman, Entertainment, FOX Broadcasting Company spoke about the upcoming fifth season season, stating that the musical dramedy will air a handful of episodes this fall before taking a hiatus until the spring. "We're going to come out with a fall season of 'Glee,' put it on hiatus for a little bit, give [new series] 'Rake' a tryout," he explained. "Then 'Glee' will be back in the spring, relaunching with I think a creative twist in terms of where we're going with the creative evolving. And then that will play right into the summer as it's done once before."

In addition it was revealed that the new season will continue with graduation, as well as more New York City "adventures" featuring the characters portrayed by Lea Michele and Chris Colfer. There will also be "inter-mini" story arcs including a host of guest stars to be announced at a later date.

Glee was renewed earlier this year for an two additional seasons.