‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 7 updates: Ian Somerhalder talks Damon’s life without Elena

The season 6 finale episode of “The Vampire Diaries” broke the hearts of many loyal fans, given the departure of Nina Dobrev and how her Elena Gilbert character in the CW series was placed in a sleep like death. Many fans were left wondering how Gilbert’s soulmate Damon Salvatore, played by Ian Somerhalder, would fare after the devastating loss. Fortunately, Somerhalder was on hand to share how his character is coping with the situation.

Somerhalder told Entertainment Tonight(ET) that despite his character’s soulmate’s perpetual slumber, Dobrev’s Gilbert is still a part of “The Vampire Diaries.” The actor explained, "There is a really incredible evolution of the story that is going to happen and she's still within the story. She's very much present in the hearts and the mind of all the characters.

When ET asked whether loyal “Delena” fans should worry about a new love interest in Damon’s life, Somerhalder remarked that the scenario “is far down the road.” Although during the season 6 finale episode, his character essentially received a go signal from Gilbert to find love again. Somerhalder added, "I mean, look, she told him, 'Listen, you waited for Katherine for 150 years and you weren't a saint. Don't sit around and wait.' She said, 'Go have fun!' And he does whatever she tells him to."

However, Somerhalder admitted that he was baffled as to how Damon and Elena became so in love with each other and ultimately turned soulmates in “The Vampire Diaries.” The actor explained, "I said from the beginning -- even when it was about Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Elena -- 'How in the world can people want this girl to be with either one of these guys? They've basically killed everyone she has ever known, she burned her house down because she was so distraught.”

Somerhalder continued, “Damon tried to kill her brother not once, but twice, and Damon is 174 and she's 18! It is the ultimate version of cradle-robbing."

As to the fans’ clamor for a “Steroline” baby, Somerhalder joked, "Why does it have to be Stefan's? Why can't it be Damon?"

Meanwhile, CW has already released the trailer for season 7 of “The Vampire Diaries” and it’s filled to the brim with explosive scenes and bloody vampire bites. The upcoming season will also touch on some family drama and will feature a war-like Mystic Falls given the addition of the six new heretics.

Loyal fans are eagerly awaiting the return of this hit CW series to the small screen.

“The Vampire Diaries” Season 7 will premiere on Oct. 8 in the U.S.

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