It looks like One Tree Hill newlyweds Peyton and Lucas are about to embark on a permanent honeymoon.

Sources confirm to me exclusively that Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton, whose characters tied the knot in last night's penultimate episode, will not be returning for the show's seventh season next fall. The CW is expected to formally announce their departures next Thursday at its upfront presentation.

Murray and Burton have been engaged in rather high-profile contract negotiations for the past several months. Ultimately, a deal couldn't be worked out and both actors will make their final appearances in next Monday's season finale.

To fill the void next season, a Hill insider tells me that two new characters will be introduced. Additionally, Austin Nichols (Julian) is being promoted to a series regular.

What say you, Tree Hill fans? Pumped for OTH 2.0? Too upset to even think about it? Let loose in the comments section. And remember: Don't shoot the messenger. The messenger is good. And a handsome devil to boot.

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/05/...ive-murra.html


IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?

and btw, OTH run has been too long..

If thre would be a next season, then that will be the last of the series.

Have a feeling that the next season will be the last.

The 2 best characters are gonna be gone.... OTH

I stopped watching OTH since season 5. What happened to Rachel? She was my fave character.

The CW already confirmed the 7th season. I don't know how I feel about Murray and Burton leaving. As much as think they're pretty annoying, I don't think the show will have any sense without two of its 5 main stars.

They weren't axed from they show. They just decided to move on.

Btw, as a fan since 2004, I think OTH should have ended this season.

I agree. I actually stopped watching OTH last Fall because I was just bored with the show at that point. This should've been the show's final season. I can't even imagine how awful the seventh season will be.

OMG.. she's my fave too, together with Brooke! they just ditched and ****ed up her character

OTH is boring as hell now. The only good thing on the show is Brooke. To be honest, she's the only reason I didn't stop watching the show last fall - Well, aside from the fact that I thought "Damn, I kinda invested 5 years of my life on this show, won't leave now that the ship is sinking".