Luke Grimes believes the 'Yellowstone' cast rose to the "challenge" of replacing Kevin Costner.

The 69-year-old actor exited the hit TV show midway through season five - but Luke has now suggested that the cast rallied together to overcome the setback.

Luke, 40 - who plays Kayce Dutton in the drama series - told E! News: "It feels like every year there's been some crazy new challenges, not unlike this year. There was a big, new challenge, but, you know, challenge accepted."

Luke added that season five of the show "was absolutely incredible and couldn't have been better any other way".

Kelly Reilly also loved shooting season five of the show, and the actress suggested she could return to the franchise at some point in the future.

She said: "All good things have to end. It doesn't mean to say there isn't going to be new stories to tell. No decisions have been made on that. It has to be right."

Kevin announced his exit from 'Yellowstone' earlier this year.

The veteran actor took to social media to announce that he was instead focusing his attention on 'Horizon: An American Saga', his series of Western films.

Kevin said on Instagram: "I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on 'Horizon' and doing all the things that that’s required.

"Thinking about 'Yellowstone', that beloved series that I love, that I know you love. I just realised that I’m not going to be able to continue, season five or into the future."

Kevin "loved" his time on 'Yellowstone' - but the actor confirmed he wouldn't be returning to the show.

The Hollywood star - who reportedly clashed with the show's producers - said: "I loved it and I know you loved it. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning."