'Orphan Black' season 3: Official synopsis strengthens rumor that Rachel will not return

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The official synopsis of "Orphan Black" season 3 strengthens the rumor that one of Sarah's clones, Rachel Duncan, will not return next season.

BBC America released the official synopsis of the hit TV series' third season. It reads:

"Season three plunges the clone sisterhood into unexpected territory with the realization that they're not alone. Just when they thought they knew their enemies and allies, season three reveals our clones are more vulnerable than ever before. Highly trained, identical male-soldiers raise more questions than answers. Who are these new clones? Who created them? And more importantly, why do they exist? Sarah, Cosima, Alison and Helena are stronger together than they are apart, but this season will put that bond to the test. Will they forge towards their truth, or fall at the feet of those that seek to control them?"

The press release does not mention Rachel's name.

The rumors of Rachel's exit from the series started with a photo tweeted by the series' official Twitter account. The photo shows the place in the round table where Tatiana Maslany is seated. The paper on the table shows the names of the clones that she plays, namely Sarah, Alison, Cosima, and Helena. Surprisingly, Rachel Duncan is not included in the list of names, which hints that she is not coming back next season.

The previous season offers a vague explanation about Rachel's possible absence in season 3. It is speculated that Rachel died after Sarah stabbed her in the eye using a pencil as a makeshift weapon.

Meanwhile, the synopsis further confirms that Ari Millen bagged the lead role after it was revealed last season that he is also a clone. The network also confirmed who else will be back next season, including Jordan Gavaris, Dylan Bruce, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Evelyne Brochu, Kevin Hanchard, Michiel Huisman and ZoƩ De Grand Maison.

BBC announced that "Orphan Black" season 3 has started filming for its come back in spring 2015.