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Emmy-nominated actress and transgender advocate Jen Richards is joining Nashvillein a recurring role for Season 5, TVGuide.com has learned.
Richards will play Allyson Del Lago, a "tough but understanding physical therapist who helps a series regular through one of their most difficult challenges," according to an announcement from CMT.
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TVGuide.com previously reported that Nashville was looking to add a trans character to work closely with Juliette (Hayden Panettiere).
Richards is the first out transgender actor to appear on CMT. Her previous credits include Her Story, which she co-wrote, produced and starred in, as well as I Am Cait, on which she was a series regular. She is also a co-producer of the upcoming docuseries More Than T, and is also scheduled to appear on CBS' Doubt this fall.
The actress shared the news on Twitter:
I'm impressed by @NashvilleCMT. Giving an out trans woman a good role on a show like this is a risk, and they've been wonderful to me. 💖
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) September 13, 2016
Nashville's two-hour Season 5 premiere airs Thursday, Jan. 5 at 9/8c.