After the announcement of the official debut of "Nashville" season 5 on its new network early next year, sources have confirmed that lead star Connie Britton will bow out of the show earlier than expected.

According to reports, the actress, who portrays the role of country superstar Rayna James, will only appear in 10 out of 22 episodes for the upcoming season. However, there are no details yet about how the character will be written off the show.

Several reports claim that Rayna could be killed off in one of the episodes for the upcoming season. But TV Guide revealed earlier this month that the country singer-turned-record label big boss will meet a young superfan who also happens to be an app developer. He reportedly wants to introduce Rayna's music to the younger generation, but he also has some evil plans waiting for her. Will this cause her eventual downfall?

While both Britton's camp and the producers of the show remain mum about the reason why the actress opted to leave the series in the upcoming season, a report from Yahoo TV speculated that the actress is already moving back to Los Angeles to spend more time with her family and friends.

But Britton's shortened stay in the series that she co-leads with Hayden Panettiere since 2012 could still be extended. TV Line revealed that an insider close to the show claimed that the actress is still under negotiation to prolong her stay in the series for season 5.

Meanwhile, Panettiere was confirmed to have agreed to appear in the entire 22 episodes for season 5. She will be joined by other regular cast members such as Sam Palladio, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella, Clare Bowen, and Chris Carmack. Aubrey Peeples and Will Chase will no longer return as series regulars for the upcoming season.

"Nashville" season 5 is scheduled to premiere on CMT on Jan. 5.