Natascha McElhone Is Leaving ‘Designated Survivor’, Joins ‘The First’

Things are changing on Designated Survivor.

Deadline is reporting that Natascha McElhone is leaving the ABC drama.  McElhone, who plays Alex Kirkman, will be leaving Designated Survivor after its second season when production wraps later this year.

She will be joining Hulu’s latest series, The First, which tells the story of the companies, astronauts, and families of those astronauts as they prepare for the first human mission to Mars. Hulu ordered The First straight to series back in May, with Sean Penn attached to the drama.

“I am so excited to work with original, maverick artists like Beau Willimon and Sean Penn — it’s a real privilege to be invited,” said McElhone. “As well as exploring Mars; I am thrilled to be accommodated by the brilliant planet Hulu and my favorite homegrown one of Channel 4.”

Production on The First is set to begin later this year.

Now, the question becomes is how will First Lady Alex Kirkman be leaving the network drama? Will it be permanent or will there be an opening for McElhone to return?

Designated Survivor premieres Wednesdays, September 27 at 10 p.m. on ABC.