After being the center of the season finale this year after Deanna Casaluce’s character Alex takes a job as a stripper/waitress at a gentleman’s club, she has revealed that the upcoming season seven of Degrassi the Next Generation will be her final season on the series. She has played Alex for three seasons already.

In her interview with CTV.ca:

CTV.ca: What’s next for you in your acting career?

Deanna: This is the very tip of the iceberg; at least I hope it is. I think after this season, season seven, I’ll be leaving the show. I’m planning on moving to Los Angeles in September.

I’m halfway done a degree in philosophy with a minor in social psychology, and I’m leaving that behind for now. I would like to finish my degree because I love learning. But I’m too busy right now.

I am sure fans won’t be happy to hear she is leaving!

Source

[aads]degrassi[/aads]

Degrassi fans will be happy to know that “magnasodes” have been launched. They are animated shorts that compliment both the episodes and the manga books that have already been released.

These short episodes are available through the Canadian Degrassi broadcaster, CTV.ca

The popular Degrassi brand is making its world debut online, with Degrassi: Extra Credit “mangasodes” on The CTV Broadband Network at CTV.ca.

At two-minutes in length, the mangasodes are animated extensions of the popular Canadian drama series.

The first mangasode, entitled “Confusionville”, will be available on demand beginning Thursday, Feb. 8 at Noon ET.

“In a world where media are converging in new ways all the time, it seems natural to morph the two-dimensional book world of Degrassi: Extra Credit into animated action shorts for broadband streaming,” said Stephen Stohn, Executive Vice-President, Epitome Pictures Inc., in a release.

The episodes features some of the same Degrassi characters you know and love, anime style.

It is also worth noting for American fans that CTV.ca has a lot of other Degrassi goodies available for downloading and watching, such as on the set interviews and behind the scenes look at Degrassi.

Source
[aads]degrassi[/aads]

All signs point to J.T. Yorke (Ryan Cooley) as the character who dies on Degrassi next month. Here’s why.

First, from the press release:

Finally, Degrassi fans are in for the shock of their lives on Friday, January 26 as they prepare to say good bye to one of their most beloved characters when tragedy ensues on campus.

Then the following episode, the Bitterest Pill has the following description:

Toby in shock over losing a friend, with Liberty’s help, tries to plan a funeral that reflects his late friend’s enthusiasm for life. While planning the funeral they draw comfort from one another and begin to form a closer relationship.

We all know Toby and J.T. are good friends, so it makes sense, and J.T. definitely had “enthusiasm” for life.

And lastly, J.T.’s name doesn’t appear for any of the future episode summaries for the season.

One correction, it seems that the tragedy actually happens at Emma’s house (during a party when Snake and Spike are away) rather than on campus.

So what do you think of this turn of events and J.T. dying? Comment & share your thoughts here!

The first two graphic novels in the Degrassi Extra Credit series have been released. The first is Turning Japanese and the second is Suddenly Last Summer. The books are now available in Canada (Fenn Publishing), but Americans will have to wait a few more weeks for the US edition from Simon & Schuster to be available.

The books expand on storylines from the show, and there are two more planned for release in May 2007. Many of the characters from the hit television show are either in starring or supporting roles in these illustrated books. They are written by J. Torres while Ed Northcott is the illustrator. The books are Japanese-inspired.

They are available for preorder now in the US. In Canada, you will find them in your local Chapters in the Manga or graphic novels section. To pre-order the new Degrassi Extra Credit books or get even more info on the books, click the book covers.

It looks like Season Six of Degrassi: The Next Generation is going to be pretty sexy, according to Cassie Steele who plays long-suffering Manny Santos.  She dishes in the latest issue of People Magazine on the upcoming season of this hit Canadian show.

Can you reveal any issues that you’re exploring this season? What’s going to happen to Manny?
I can’t really divulge, per se (laughs), but as Degrassi characters get older, you’ll notice things get more intense… and there’s more temptations. It’s sexy, and that’s what’s going on this season. It’s the best season yet.

The new season starts airing in November with a two parter episode “Here Comes Your Man”.