When ABC's country musical series 'Nashville' returns for its fourth season later this year, the show will no longer require Eric Close's 48-year-old character Teddy Conrad. According to TV Line, while the network has refused to comment of Close's exit from the show, it seems that they have decided "to place the focus of the show squarely on the music business."

However, a report in Latin Post states since Conrad is the ex-husband of waning country star Rayna Jaymes, the main character portrayed by Connie Britton; he is still likely to make guests appearances in the upcoming season.

In 'Nashville,' Conrad and James are shown as having two children - Daphne (biologically his) and Maddie (legally his) - which increases the possibilities of "Teddy (returning) at some point to give his family members young and old some kind of closure with his sinful past," predicts Cinema Blend.

On the other hand, TV Line hinted that nevertheless, the departure of a key character marks a decisive moment for the show. The website observed, "For three seasons, it seemed as if Teddy had been starring in his own satellite show about local Nashville politics."

Fans saw Conrad being taken away in handcuffs during the end of the 'Nashville' Season 3, which concluded on May 13. It was revealed that the Feds arrested him for hiring an expensive call girl and misusing official funds to pay off the call girl.

In fact, observers are of the view that ABC's decision to continue the show without Close's character is somewhat surprising. According to Cinema Blend, "Usually when a TV series builds up a character to be one of the sleaziest people in the medium, that person is kept around until well past his or her expiration date."

The website added, "But it looks like ABC's 'Nashville' is bucking that trend" with Conrad.

Close, a native of Staten Island is recognized for his role as Martin Fitzgerald in the CBS police drama 'Without a Trace,' which aired for seven seasons and featured the actor in as many as 160 episodes. In 2012, Close joined the 'Nashville' cast to portray the character of Conrad, the mayor of Tennessee city. According to TV Line, the actor will now reprise his role of lawyer Travis Tanner for one episode in USA's upcoming fifth season of 'Suits.'