'Sleepy Hollow' season 4 spoilers: Ichabod Crane returns as show survives cancellation round

Ichabod Crane's constant companion Abbie Mills will be missed in the fourth season of FOX's 'Sleepy Hollow.' Sleepy Hollow/Official Facebook Page

"Sleepy Hollow" survives another year from FOX's chopping board, as the network announced the series's return for season 4.

However, Tom Mison's Ichabod Crane will have to miss his trusted partner Abbie Mills, since Nicole Beharie's character was killed off in the season 3 finale.

Reports about Beharie's intention to leave the show came out even before season 3 premiered, saying that the actress wanted to be released from her contract with the show. According to reports, the actress was not happy that her character could not reach her full potential. Thus the network decided to let her go and explained that killing off one of the main characters of "Sleepy Hollow" was a bold move.

In a statement about Abbie's death, the network explained that "Sleepy Hollow" was known for showcasing unexpected finales.

"We feel we provided a wonderfully poignant conclusion for Abbie and showed some of the best moments between the Witnesses that we've seen on-screen," the network stated, as reported by E! News.

Aside from Beharie, season 3 regular Nikki Reed will also not return in season 4, since the arc in which she played  Betsy Ross already ended in the previous season. Zach Appelman's Joe Corbin will not return, too.

Other returning cast members for "Sleepy Hollow" season 4 include Lyndie Greenwood as Abbie's younger sister Jenny Mills, Lance Gross as Abbie's boss Daniel Reynolds, and Jessica Camacho as FBI agent Sophie Foster.

While the network remains mum about the plot for the show's upcoming fourth season, the network promised that fans will have a lot to look forward to when the series returns.

"We have some exciting scenarios and new avenues we want to explore," the network said.

FOX has yet to announce the premiere date of "Sleepy Hollow" season 4.

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