Actress Stana Katic poses at the 2014 Environmental Media Awards at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California
IN PHOTO: Actress Stana Katic poses at the 2014 Environmental Media Awards at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California October 18, 2014. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

There were speculations that Stana Katic, who plays homicide detective Kate Beckett, may not star in the premiere episode of “Castle” Season 8. TV Line has reported that there is no truth in these rumours.

When asked about the possibility of Katic not starring in episode 1 of “Castle” Season 8, Matt Webb Mitovich said in his column “Matt's Inside Line,” “That is a bunch of hooey.”

Katic signed on her new contract only after “Castle” Season 7 wrapped up, and because of that there was much speculation about her return to reprise her role in the new season. Caskett fans heaved a sigh of relief when the actress confirmed on her Twitter feed that she is returning. Nathan Fillion, who plays the titular role, had signed on his new, one-year contract even before ABC renewed “Castle” for Season 8.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of changes that are taking place in the new season, including stepping in of Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter as the new co-showrunners. David Amann stepped down after serving as the showrunner for just a season. “Castle” creator Andrew Marlowe has also quit the show.

The original cast members, including Seamus Dever, who plays detective Kevin Ryan, Jon Huertas, who plays detective Javier Esposito, Susan Sullivan, who plays Martha Rodgers, Molly Quinn, who plays Alexis Castle, are returning to reprise their roles in “Castle” Season 8. Unfortunately, Penny Johnson is not returning as Captain Victoria Gates. There are speculations that the character has been pushed out of the show to make way for the coronation of Beckett as the new captain of 12th precinct. She passed the captain exam in the previous season finale. In addition to that, she also received the offer to run for New York senate. With Captain Gates out of picture, it is likely that Beckett will not be taking the election route.

“Castle” Season 8 is scheduled to premiere on Monday, Sept. 21. The new showrunner Hawley believes that “Castle” still has a lot of stories to tell, while Paul Lee, president at ABC, would like the series to run for many years to come because “Castle” is a “powerful, vibrant brand with incredibly passionate audience.”

You may write to the writer at a.shrivastava@IBTimes.com.au, with your comments and feedback.