"Orange Is the New Black" may be seeing a change in casting in the fourth season of the comedy drama series when it comes out this summer.

In a holiday greeting video called "'Twas a Night in Litchfield," actress Natasha Lyonne was noticeably absent in the line-up, implying the speculation that she would no longer be part of the season four cast. Lyonne portrays Nicky Nichols, an inmate who is friend to main character Piper Chapman.

Another previously rumored character who will not be returning for season four is Sophia. In season three, Sophia (played by Laverne Cox) was taken to the SHU after she tries to sue Litchfield Prison for low security and control after she is attacked by a number of inmates.

However, iDigital Times shares that it is likely that Sophia will be returning in season four considering that the prison is seen to be downsizing, and will probably dissolve Max and SHU to decrease the need for manpower.

Cox also told TV Guide that there is no likelihood of Sophia patching up with Gloria, who was responsible for the attack on Sophia. The harassment of the inmate was caused by rumours spread by Gloria about Sophia which frustrated some of the inmates.

"I can't imagine. As a viewer watching, seeing how much remorse Gloria has, I always like to believe there's a potential for forgiveness, but this is pretty bad. This is really, really bad." Cox said to TV Guide.

Selenis Leyva, who plays Gloria, is more optimistic though as she thinks it might be possible to see a reconciliation between the two characters. "We don't know what's coming yet ... but they are good people, and you see that individually," Leyva said.

"Orange is the New Black" is an American comedy-drama series that follows Piper (Taylor Schilling) who is sent to the Litchfield Penitentiary for 15 months where she meets interesting personalities in the form of inmates. The show was created by Jenji Kohan, and is one of Netflix's most successful shows.

"Orange Is the New Black" is rumoured to return this summer.