'Wentworth' season 5 release date, spoilers, cast: Bea Smith really dead, Liam Hemsworth to replace Danielle Cormack

"Wentworth" is expected to return in the small screens in the early months of 2017. As its comeback draws near, fans are anticipating what happens next in the hit series. Reports claim that Bea Smith is still alive and will still be part of season 5.

Danielle Cormack herself previously talked about the death of her character. The actress said the death of Bea Smith is cut and dried. Fans will be disappointed to learn that Cormack said that the death of her character could never be reversed.

However, rumours are persistent that Bea Smith is still alive. Some viewers believe that the character is in a critical condition. Could she have survived the multiple stab wounds delivered by Joan "The Freak" Ferguson (Pamela Rabe)?

Other reports claim that Bea Smith will indeed be part of "Wentworth" season 5. However, it was reportedly claimed by the production that she is really dead. Bea Smith is expected to be featured in a series of flashbacks.

Cormack recently posted on her Instagram account a photo of herself reunited with the other cast of the Australian series. This has sparked speculations that her character is indeed returning. Reddit users theorise that Bea is alive. Some fans note that if the intent was to kill Bea, there was no need to even mention an ambulance. The production remains mum about the actress being part of season 5, thus fans need to take this issue with a grain of salt.

Previous reports claim that Cormack will be replaced by Australian actor Liam Hemsworth. According to reports, Hemsworth’s role will be a rough warden at the Wentworth Correctional Facility. It was not revealed yet whether the actor stars in a cameo or if he has landed a recurring role.

In other news, "Wentworth" has reached another milestone for being awarded original Australian series. It recently grabbed the Best Television Drama Series trophy from the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA).

"Wentworth" airs on SoHo in Australia.