Who’s in and who’s out in Sex Education season 4? (cast updates)

If you told us a year ago that there were a great deal of Sex Education cast members confirmed to NOT return to the upcoming fourth season, we would have called you a liar. But, now that it’s starting to look like things aren’t looking too pretty for Sex Education season 4, it’s nearly impossible to not admit that the cast list is looking a little…smaller.

Dying to stay in the know? Then keep reading so we can fill you in on who’s in and who’s out in Sex Education season 4.

Sex Education season 4 returning cast

It’s been confirmed that Asa Butterfield will return to play Otis Milburn in the upcoming season. This isn’t surprising, as the show is heavily centered around his character, and the third season didn’t end in a way that indicates his story is over.

Additionally, we now know for sure that The Crown‘s Gillian Anderson, who plays Dr. Jean Milburn, will return. Anderson is fairly busy outside of Sex Education with other roles, including White Bird: A Wonder Story and The Pale Blue Eye, so it’s possible she won’t be in every single episode, but at least she is confirmed to appear again!

Similar to Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa’s schedule is also extremely full. He is set to star in tons of exciting titles such as Doctor Who as The Doctor and the upcoming miniseries, Masters of the Air. However, despite his busy life, Gatwa is confirmed to return to the show that began his rise to fame!

Per Variety, Gatwa will reprise his role as Eric Effiong in the fourth installment. It is currently unknown if the British actor will continue to have a lead role or if his role will be reduced to a recurring guest character. But, so long as we can see Gatwa on our screens, we’re perfectly content with whatever journey his character embarks on in season 4.

Is Emma Mackey (Maeve) in Sex Education season 4?

And we also now have the news we’ve been waiting for — whether or not Emma Mackey would return as Maeve. Of course, Sex Education season 3 ends with a bang as Maeve decides she will be headed to America to pursue an incredible academic opportunity, leaving her part on the show up in the air. Well, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Mackey will appear in season 4! This is amazing news. We don’t know how much she’ll show up, but at least we know she’ll be there.

Here are a few other actors who have been confirmed, per The Hollywood Reporter, to return for Sex Education season 4:

• Connor Swindells as Adam Groff
• Aimee Lou Wood as Aimee Gibbs
• Kedar Williams-Stirling as Jackson Marchetti
• Chinenye Ezeudu as Viv
• Mimi Keene as Ruby
• Dua Saleh as Cal
• George Robinson as Isaac
• Alistair Petrie as Michael Groff
• Samantha Spiro as Maureen

Sex Education season 4 new cast

We just got exciting news today because Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy has joined the cast of Sex Education season 4! What a win for this Netflix Original. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Levy will play Maeve’s new tutor in the U.S. named Thomas. We can’t wait to see their dynamic play out on the screen!

Other new cast members include Thaddea Graham, Marie Reuther, Felix Mufti, Anthony Lexa, Alexandra James, and Imani Yahshua.

Sex Education cast members leaving

All good things must come to an end, and for three talented Sex Education OGs, this saying proves to be true.

Earlier this year, Simone Ashley confirmed that she would not be reprising her role of Olivia Hanan in the upcoming season following her breakout role of Lady Kate Sharma in Bridgerton.

“I think my time on [the show] has come to an end,” Ashley told Glamour. “It’s very sad because I love them all so much.”

Also leaving the Sex Education group is Tanya Reynolds, who plays Lily Iglehart, and Iglehart’s on-screen partner, Ola Nyman played by Patricia Allison. In an interview with Captial Xtra, Allison gave us the somber news.

“I absolutely have loved being on Sex Education so, so much,” Allison expressed. “But unfortunately, I won’t be joining the team for season 4. I’m so sorry to have to break that to you guys. But some other opportunities have come up. I’ve been doing it for three years, and I’ve genuinely loved it so much.”

Ashley, Reynolds, and Allison’s confirmed exits may mark the start of a new era of Sex Education, but, just like fans, we’re hoping that we don’t have to say goodbye to any more characters. At least, not until their respective stories have concluded.

As Sex Education season 4 approaches, we’re sure we’ll get even more cast updates. Until then, be sure to stream all three seasons of the show on Netflix, and also be sure to show your departing cast members some love by watching all their upcoming projects!

FanSided Entertainment Staff contributed to this report.