Such is the nature of television series The Walking Dead that when actors get cast in other shows, fans naturally assume it's a death warrant for their character.

The latest actor to fuel such rumours is Sonequa Martin-Green who has played Sasha since season three - she's just been cast as the lead in Star Trek: Discovery.

Green will play a lieutenant commander in the reboot that's due to begin in May. The Bryan Fuller-produced series will comprise 13 episodes.

Preceding season seven, doubts were cast over The Walking Dead future of actor Steven Yeun (Glenn Rhee) following the announcement he was to star in several high-profile projects including Netflix film Okja alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

An AMC rep has made it clear that, despite her Star Trek casting, Green will remain a Walking Dead regular. However, with the war against Negan due to begin when the series returns in February, who knows what's in store for her character.

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Star Trek: Discovery - a spin-off to the classic series created by Gene Roddenberry - was initially overseen by Fuller who stepped down as showrunner following creative differences with CBS.