Christina Milian is stepping into Naya Rivera’s dancing shoes.
The 39-year-old New Jersey native has joined the cast of Starz’s “Step Up” series, replacing Rivera as the lead role of Collette after her July death, the network announced Monday.
“Naya’s death was a terrible loss to our world that we will, frankly, never stop mourning,” series creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen said in a statement.
“It was almost impossible to consider there could be someone so graceful and loving who could both help us honor our loss, while also bringing a deep reservoir of talent to our show, in so many areas. Christina is an exceptional human and a dazzling performer and we are so happy she has joined our family.”
The series, which lived on YouTube for two seasons before being resurrected at Starz last year, takes place at Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Arts School, its founder Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) and his professional and personal partner Collette; it follows the five-film “Step Up” franchise spawned by stars Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum.
“I am so excited to join the ‘Step Up’ family,” Milian said in a statement. “I know I have massive shoes to fill. Naya was incredible. I hope to honor Naya, her family, friends and fans with a great performance.”
Rivera, 33, drowned in July while boating with her 4-year-old son, Josey, in Lake Piru, California.
“There is no replacing Naya. Let’s get that straight. Her spirit lives on in our memories and every part of what this show is and will be,” Ne-Yo said in a statement.
“Christina has big shoes to fill and she knows it, which speaks to her poise and respect as a person and an artist. I’m more than certain of her ability to bring an energy and light to this character that Naya’s fans as well as the rest of the world will love. We’ve welcomed Christina with absolute open arms and have rallied around her with love and support. I’m excited and can’t wait for the world to see this!”
