Josh Stamberg exits 'Drop Dead Diva'

Credit: Lifetime

After Drop Dead Diva was canceled last year, many involved in the production began the process of moving on with their careers. However, Lifetime eventually reversed its stance and gifted the dramedy with a surprise fifth season renewal, essentially saving it from the TV scrap heap. But not everyone will be back for the fifth season.

Josh Stamberg, who plays law-firm partner Jay Parker, will not be returning to the Lifetime series.

Stamberg’s exit is the result of budget cuts to the series, a consequence of the show's sudden, last-minute renewal. Among other money-saving measures, the show will reduce its production to seven days per episode, in addition to doing far less on-location filming. However, creator Josh Berman insists that the show will still be the same Drop Dead Diva fans loved. “Viewers will never notice the change in our budget," said Berman, adding that "the show has never looked better.”

Yet even with the character’s absence, Parker's co-worker/former girlfriend Kim Kaswell will continue carrying his child in season five.

Drop Dead Diva returns June 23 at 9/8c on Lifetime.

Via: TVLine