Lovato not returning to TV's 'Sonny'

LOS ANGELES, April 19 (UPI) -- The Disney Channel has confirmed actress and singer Demi Lovato will not return to the U.S. television series, "Sonny with a Chance."

Lovato, 18, had starred on the sitcom since it debuted in 2010.

She began treatment for "physical and emotional issues" last October and left rehab in January. She has since revealed in interviews that she suffered from depression, and had body-image and self-abuse problems.

"It made sense for me to go ahead and leave the show to focus on my music," Lovato told People magazine. "It's kind of sad for me that a chapter of my life has ended but there couldn't be a better time for me to move on. ... I don't think going back to 'Sonny' would be healthy for my recovery. Being in front of a camera would make me nervous."

"We respect Demi's decision to focus full-time on her music and not immediately return to her acting career," a Disney Channel publicist said in a statement. "She is a talented young woman and our hearts are with her as she continues to take action to improve her health and bounce back from adversity."

People.com said "Sonny" will be retooled as a sketch comedy show called "So Random!," which will premiere in June.