Naya Rivera's Character Won't Die In 'Step Up' Season 3: Meet New Collette

The “Step Up: High Water” series won’t change the storyline after Naya Rivera’s death. Instead, they’ve cast a new actress to replace her as Collette.

Rivera appeared in the first two seasons of the dance drama, but the 33-year-old died in a drowning accident in July.

A source has told TVLine that after “careful consideration,” Christina Milian, an actress and singer, has been chosen to take over the role of Collette. She’s previously been in “Bring It On: Fight To The Finish” and “Love Don't Cost A Thing” as well as Netflix's "Falling Inn Love."

“I am so excited to join the 'Step Up' family,” said Milian in a statement. “I know I have massive shoes to fill. Naya was incredible. I hope to honor Naya, her family, friends and fans with a great performance.”

While Rivera’s death is something the creator and the cast said they will always mourn and remember, recasting was crucial since Collette has such a huge role in the series. The source told the news outlet that Rivera’s family gave the OK and their blessing to recast her role.

“Naya’s death was a terrible loss to our world that we will, frankly, never stop mourning. It was almost impossible to consider there could be someone so graceful and loving who could both help us honor our loss, while also bringing a deep reservoir of talent to our show, in so many areas. Christina is an exceptional human and a dazzling performer and we are so happy she has joined our family,” creator Holly Sorensen said.

“Step Up: High Water” is inspired by the original “Step Up” films and has aired for two seasons on YouTube. It was picked up by cable network Starz for a third.

The “Step Up” TV series follows the students and teachers of High Water Performing Arts School in Atlanta, where Collette teaches. In Season 3, viewers will see Collette and Sage’s relationship tested as enemies try to take down High Water.

Season 3 is currently in production in Atlanta with returning cast members including Ne-Yo (Sage Odom), Faizon Love (Uncle Al), Jade Chynoweth (Odalie), Carlito Olivero (Davis), Terrence Green (Rigo), Eric Graise (King) and Kendra Oyesanya (Poppy). No premiere date has been set.