Demi Lovato, the star of the Disney Channel’s “Sonny With a Chance,” is in treatment for “emotional and physical issues” which leaves her temporarily unavailable to shoot new episodes of the hit T.V. show. But “Sonny” fans won’t be left with only reruns to tide them over according to Variety.
The network and the producers of “Sonny With a Chance” have decided to rework the series temporarily to focus on the show-within-a-show, “So Random!” Each episode under this new configuration will feature comedy sketches, musical performances, digital shorts and guest stars for the fictional teen sketch comedy show that Lovato’s character, Sonny, is a cast member of in the world of the show. The first of these special full episodes of “So Random!” aired on October 17th.
“This allows her the time she needs to get well, without distraction or pressure,” a Disney Channel spokeswoman told Variety. “Again, we extend our ongoing support to Demi and her family as she works to overcome personal issues.”
Season three of the show is set to begin filming in January, which will hopefully give the young star enough time to recover and rejoin the cast. Lovato dropped out of the Jonas brother’s international tour in November, announcing that she was entering treatment. Her reps insist that she is not being treated for drug or alcohol addiction related problems.
