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Although nobody can actually replace the soon-to-be Princess, it’s been confirmed that Katherine Heigl has officially been cast in Suits – taking over from Meghan Markle as one of the show’s leading female characters.

She will play the role of Samantha Wheeler, a new partner at Pearson Specter Litt, and will star alongside Gabriel Macht, Sarah Rafferty, Rick Hoffman and Dulé Hill.

“Joining Suits was the perfect organic way to not only collaborate with an EP I admire deeply but to also become part of a show and cast that I am an immense fan of,” Katherine Heigl said.

“I have watched Suits from the very beginning and feel incredibly lucky to be the newest member of the Pearson Specter Litt family.”

Katherine Heigl’s arrival comes after both Patrick J. Adams and Meghan Markle announced that they wouldn’t be returning for the new season.

Although it’s pretty clear that Meghan won’t be returning due to adjusting to her new life as a British Royal, it’s still unclear why Patrick J. Adams chose to leave.

Suits creator and showrunner Aaron Korsh said that he was “extraordinarily excited” to welcome Katherine to the show…

“On behalf of the entire Suits team, I am extraordinarily excited to welcome Katherine Heigl into our family – I have always been a big fan of her work and was delighted to discover she was an avid Suits fan herself,” he said in a statement.

“I cannot wait to have her come play with our entire cast and crew. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Harvey, Louis, Donna, and Alex as the mysterious Samantha Wheeler is a direct threat to their status quo.

“One thing is for sure – Samantha’s wit, charm, loyalty, strength, and vulnerability will all be put to the test as she muscles her way into the firm currently known as Pearson Specter Litt.”

Filming is due to start in Toronto in April. We can’t wait to see what Katherine’s character will bring to the table!