EXCLUSIVE: Nashville‘s Rayna James is gaining a full-time friend and a full-time foe for next season. Recurring players Oliver Hudson and Will Chase are being promoted to regulars for Season 3, contingent on the ABC series getting a renewal, something considered likely as most of the network’s freshman dramas have struggled mightily this season. Hudson, who joined Nashville in the second episode of this season, plays arrogant Edgehill label head Jeff Fordham. Chase, who was introduced in Episode 5, plays Luke Wheeler, a country superstar and Rayna’s (Connie Britton) current significant. Hudson is repped by ICM Partners, Management 360 and Ziffren; Chase is with Gersh and AC Management.

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