Ian Somerhalder has admitted that he is "not thrilled' about The Vampire Diaries spin-off The Originals.

The spin-off series will debut this October, and centres on the Mikaelson siblings Klaus (Joseph Morgan), Elijah (Daniel Gillies), and Rebekah (Claire Holt).

Bob Mahoney

The CW

Speaking to Digital Spy, Somerhalder revealed that he is concerned that the spin-off may take strong actors away from The Vampire Diaries.

"I'm excited for Julie [Plec], and for Joseph and all my people," Somerhalder began, "but I'm a selfish actor - I'm not a producer on the show, I'm not a writer. My only concern is Damon, and my show.

"Now, they're going to be taking these characters that mean so much to our show. I'm insanely happy for everyone, but I'm not thrilled. Not that I mind sharing, I just don't want to lose all these amazing actors on our show."

Somerhalder went on to explain that he also worries about The Vampire Diaries being forced to introduce too many new characters, to make up for the absence of Morgan, Gillies and Holt.

Bob Mahony

"Who are the other people who are gonna be coming on the show? Are they gonna be good? Because it's The CW, and everyone has to be pretty, and there aren't a lot of pretty people that can act well.

"I'm not joking! I'm one of them, that can act well. Not to sound s**tty about it, but casting is always tough. I feel like they worked so hard on casting this show... and hopefully they just continue to put great actors in."

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The Originals will premiere on the CW after The Vampire Diaries' fifth season on Thursday, October 3. It will then shift to Tuesday nights, beginning on October 8.

Somerhalder's new science fiction drama The Anomaly will be released in 2014.

Watch Paul Wesley discussing The Vampire Diaries with Digital Spy below:

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