Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton leaving 'One Tree Hill'

It's seems unreal, but a rep for the CW tells us it's true: Lucas and Peyton are moving out of "One Tree Hill."

Rumors that the shows stars, Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton, would not be returning for the show's seventh season began circulating in February when the CW announced a series renewal without specifying which cast members would be back.

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."

In April, "One Tree Hill" executive producer Mark Schwann told a crowd in Paris that all of the actors had signed on for Season 7, except for Murray and Burton. "They're in negotiations right now and I know they've been offered great things, and hopefully they'll decide to come back. If they don't that's always a possibility...[the show] has made it through some of the riskier moves we've done."

Looks like the public negotiating didn't take. A rep for the network confirms the two are out, and EW.com additionally reports that two new characters will be introduced next season. Austin Nichols, who play's Brooke's man Julian, meanwhile, will be upped to a series regular.

When last we saw the blissfully happy Lucas and Peyton, they had just been married. Unfortunately, in the final moments of Monday's episode, a very pregnant Peyton began to bleed and passed out cold on their honeymoon bed.

Does this news spell trouble for Peyton? She did record those video messages to her baby a couple of weeks ago (in an episode directed by "One Tree Hill's" own James Lafferty). And what about Lucas? His heart's been ticking fine for some time.

Guess we'll all find out what happens to the pair together during Monday's season finale.

-- Denise Martin

Photo: Hilarie Burton and Chad Michael Murray. Credit: The CW

Comments

[Emily McGregor]

omg this cant happen their a big part of why i watch the show please come back we all need u guys i dont no if i can watch the show anymore without u on it it will be to boreing :( sincerly Emily mcgregor

[Mimi]

I'm never going to watch one tree hill again. It's not the same without Chad and Hilarie.

[chiania]

it seems so wierd w/o lucas and peyton not on the show. and how all these new people is coming on, they dont even know how to act like they do. hope they come back.

[mariyam]

hey cw i want lucas and payton back.coz they are made for each other,,,,,,,,,

[Keith]

The main stars of shows leave all the time. It's part of TV history. Farrah Fawcett left "Charlie's Angels" after the first season. Ron Howard left "Happy Days". Honestly, the Peyton/Lucas story had run its' course. I'll miss Chad and Hilarie, but I think the show will move on without them. Personally, my favorite character is Dan.

[Kt]

One Tree Hill is not one tree hill any more lucas and peyton are what made this show if they dont get them back soon this show is going to crash and burn fast because i know i am one of many people who were great fans of one tree hill and own every season that will no longer be watching or supporting this show untill lucas peyton and sawyer scott are all back

[lana]

I think you guys kicking Lucas a main character in the story was the worst idea ever. First off the story line of one tree hill emerged from the idea of two half brothers living in the same community and sharing a unbreakable bond. Now, the main character Lucas whose life we've watched emerge for about 6 seasons is kicked off as well as Peyton's not a good move. Yes, the show will survive without them, but will everything fall into place like when it was in the beginning years of the show? I just wished you guys would've put a little more effort to try and keep these orig characters because they are the ones along with the other cast members what made ONE TREE HILL today

[Athea]

that's really sad if they don't come back!
i was really looking forward to chad and hilarie's love life together in the show!
i really admired the couple and was hoping to find out what would happen next...
did anyone try to contact them-? i would like to know why they don't want to come back.. its really sad i love them..
all the characters but, one tree hill needs lucas and peyton!
i wouldn't be the same!

i was wondering where they went but i thought it was part of the show..
and they were on their honeymoon or something.
but man i really want them in the show..
its not going to be the same! !
but i still love one tree hill..

[Danny]

No Lucas, no me as a faithful viewer!! Sorry but I will put my time in Fox now.

[Macy]

Screww This show now,
its wrong that Chad and Hillarie are off.
the whole show was about them.
all the other characters gradually joined.
i will not be watching the show any longer.

[JORGINA BARTURN]

IT SUCKS THAT THEY ARE OUT YOU NEED THEM

[Lisa]

This show just isn't the same. They really need to get back Lucas and Peyton. It just seems like something is missing and the show just isn't the same.

[samm]

i just wish dan would die off the show already i cannot stand to even look at him!

[Definitely Disappointed]

Im very disappointed that Lucas and Peyton are not returning. The show was founded on Lucas & Nathan's story. For me, there were no favorites. The chemistry of the original cast members is what made the show a success. I will no longer be watching. Just wont be the same.

[bassant]

Well, i love the whole story, the high school people even though it sometimes get boring watching peyton and lucas story but i dont like them not be there actually i like seeing them all together leaving them out makes me feel its incomplete but i will still watch it.

[Kerstie.]

We need Lucas and Peyton.
It will be weird to not watch tehm in it:(

[Geri]

I enjoy watching One Tree Hills like I do with Gossip Girls and I must say that One Tree Hills is falling behind it is not grabbing me lately because I have been long awaiting for Lucas and Payton to reunite and then they did. Now all that is happening to them... the suspense of waiting to see them come out of all this difficulties and to watch their new lives. If they are not coming back then the whole show is pretty much over at least for me. It just does not make sense that they are gone just for awhile. A real thing is if friends are this close then they will stick together to see that it does. Bring them back and keep them on. Make it right! The whole show is about Lucas and if he is gone then the show is gone.

[Nicole]

One tree hill wil not be the same without lucas,,in my opinion lucas brings fans to the show with his great looks..please bring him back "bring sexy back yeah"... love ye

[Lyndzy]

NO ONE on the show is as popular as Chad Michael Murray. The ratings will surely go down because he is the main character that has made the show the success that it is. Really sad and really stupid people running the show down here in Wilmington where I live.

[jom]

taking Lucas and Peyton out is like taking Ross and Racheal out of girls! I WONT be watching it!