Chicago Fire star Jocelyn Hudon has been promoted to a series regular for season 13.
The actor, who previously starred in Netflix drama The Order, joined the NBC series in season 12 as paramedic Lyla Novak (via Deadline).
Lyla first arrived at Firehouse 51 as a freelancer following Sylvie Brett’s departure, before reluctantly agreeing to join Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) as an official member of the ambulance team.
Across the five episodes she’s appeared in, Lyla’s leadership skills have already proved to be integral to the firehouse, making her likely to establish an important role next season.
Sylvie actor Kara Killmer said goodbye to the show after 10 seasons in February, with the character relocating to Portland alongside fire captain Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer).
The actor explained her exit in a recent interview with TVLine, where she also teased a possible cameo return, saying: “If you’re going to spend 10 years somewhere, you want to spend it in a place like our show, but I’m very excited to see what else is out there on the horizon.”
She added: “I’m very satisfied with where things end up for Sylvie on Fire. I would be more than happy to pop on anytime.
“[Firehouse] 51 has a unique way of getting itself into trouble, and we love to see familiar faces, and so I’m happy to come back anytime.”
The news of Killmer’s departure was quickly followed by her co-star Eamonn Walker’s exit. The actor portrayed Battalion Chief Wallace Boden across the show’s 12 seasons.
Walker isn’t the only star to have recently announced their departure from the series, with Rome Flynn making a shock exit back in March after his character Derrick Gibson left to get help for a prescription pill addiction.
Despite the cast changes, the future of the Chicago franchise was recently confirmed by NBC, with Fire, Med and PD all being renewed for 13th, 10th and 12th seasons respectively.
Chicago Fire, Chicago PD and Chicago Med air on NBC and Peacock in the US, and on Sky Witness in the UK.
