Writer-producer: Cory Monteith's character won't be recast on 'Glee'

LOS ANGELES, July 22 (UPI) -- "Glee" co-creator Ryan Murphy says the late Cory Monteith's character, Finn Hudson, will not be recast. Monteith died July 13 in Canada.

"The right thing to do for the show, at least at this point, is to have that character pass. When we do the tribute episode to that character, we'll have to do it in a way where the cast members will not have to re-create feelings of grief that they've had this week -- but do it in an upbeat way," Murphy told The Hollywood Reporter.

"If we can do this responsibly and help young people through these feelings, that's the best that we can hope for."

Fox announced Friday the show's Season 5 premiere date has been pushed back a week to Sept. 26. Production is now set to begin in August rather than late July to give the dramedy's writers a chance to rethink the season and to offer its cast and crew time to grieve.

Monteith died of an accidental heroin and alcohol overdose in a Vancouver hotel room, authorities said. He was 31.

His girlfriend was his "Glee" leading lady, Lea Michele.