One Tree Hill - Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton leaving

by Amy Judd | May 12, 2009 at 05:46 pm

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Popular television show 'One Tree Hill' is losing two of its stars - Chad Michael Murry and Hilarie Burton, who play Lucas and Peyton and have been with the show since the beginning, will not be returning for the next season.

Rumors started circulating in February when the CW announced that the show would be returning, but it didn't specify which cast members would be returning.

Soon after, a video of Murray talking to his fans surfaced. Seemingly unaware he was being filmed, the actor told fans, "They're not bringing me back next year ... because they want to save money." He even encouraged them to rally behind him: "Start blogging and being pissed off."

Both actors were offered lots to come back, but apparently is wasn't enough. Two new characters will be introduced next season in their place, and Austin Nichols will become a series regular.

The season finale of One Tree Hill will air on Monday on the CW.