Glee: How Will The Cory Monteith-Shaped Hole Be Filled?

Since Glee star Cory Monteith died last month as the result of a deadly overdose of heroin and alcohol, fans of the show as well as the Glee cast and crew have mourned the loss of the talented singer and actor. Having been known to have battled drug problems since aged 19, the 31 year-old was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room after he failed to check out.

However, the issue that has also been on everyone's minds is whether Glee can carry on without one of its main characters and - would the cast want to after such a dreadfully sad incident?

The Absence Of Monteith And His Talent Will Be Felt By Many.

New information suggests that the show will take the brave decision to not only carry on without Monteith but also incorporate the devastating loss of one of their lead characters Finn Hudson, played by Monteith, by transferring the horrors of his real-life death on screen with the intention to send out a message about the dangers of drug abuse.

Listen To Cory Monteith Singing REM's 'Losing My Religion':

Kevin Reilly, Fox's entertainment chairman, spoke to reporters at a Television Critics Association meeting and explained how they were planning on writing Finn out of the show. "[The] third episode will deal with the Finn Hudson character being written out of the show," reports BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat. "I can't speak to it yet because [it's still being written]. That episode will deal directly with the incidents involved in Cory's passing and the drug abuse in particular," Reilly added.

Monteith & Girlfriend Lea Michele Looking Happy Not Long Before His Death.

To send out a strong message warning against the potentially frightening effects of drug use, the cast will record public service announcements about drug abuse that will air during the episode and will donate money from music sales for the tribute that will be given to a fund in Monteith's honour.

Monteith's co-star and girlfriend, Lea Michele, is one of those hit hardest by the loss, having dated Cory for a year, and has only just felt able to address her fans, albeit through Twitter, to thank them for their support in her grief: "Thank you all for helping me through this time with your enormous love & support. Cory will forever be in my heart."

She has reportedly helped Monteith's mother organise the funeral and cremation of her boyfriend - who had battled drug problems since aged 19 - as well as having rounded up the Glee cast and crew for a private ceremony of mourning to remember their co-star and friend with music and memories.

There Was No Reason To Suspect Cory's Death Was Imminent.

Glee will return on 26th September 2013 but Reilly predicts the series is probably drawing to a close: "I would not anticipate it goes beyond two more seasons," he said.