‘Wentworth’ news: producer reveals why Danielle Cormick was written off the show

The finale episode of “Wentworth” season 4 has seen Bea Smith (Danielle Cormick) being stabbed to death by her fellow inmate, Joan "The Freak" Ferguson (Pamela Rabe). Producers deliberately wrote her character off of “Wentworth” for dramatic purposes.

In a statement, “Wentworth” producers stressed the show’s reputation for risk-taking, high emotion and bold storytelling. The last episode of “Wentworth” season 4 proves no one is safe. Therefore, viewers can also look into the possibility that another major character will meet his or her demise when “Wentworth” returns. With Smith now gone, it is expected that Joan will take her place as the top dog.

It would not be too surprising if another major character will die next season. Jo Porter, the show’s executive producer, has earlier claimed that it is always their intention to keep the viewers guessing.

The producer has also hinted that the death of Smith will pave the way to new characters. “While the shoes of Bea Smith will be hard to fill, with the start of season five, the gates of Wentworth Correctional Facility will again open to a raft of potential new stories and characters,” Porter said in a statement.

Porter said it has been a difficult decision to kill a beloved and revered character like Bea Smith and it really has a huge impact on fans. Saying goodbye to Cormick has made the decision more difficult. Meanwhile, reports claim that the decision to take Smith out of the picture is against Cormick’s will.

The “Wentworth” executive producer has described Cormick as a magnificent actor. She said her performance is powerful, brave and nuanced. Porter said through a statement shared by News.com.au that they will be forever indebted to the actress for bringing life to the show for the past four seasons.

"Wentworth” airs on SoHo in Australia. Official air date for "Wentworth” season 5 is yet to be announced.