Lea Michele announced to fans this morning that she is heading back to the set of Glee following the tragic death of boyfriend and co-star Cory Monteith.

E! News reports that producers of the Fox hit have decided to eliminate Monteith’s character Finn, writing him out early on into the upcoming season.

"The third episode will write Finn out of the show,” Fox Entertainment Chairmen Kevin Reilly revealed. “That episode will deal directly with the incidents involved with Cory's passing and the drug abuse in particular."

Reilly added that Public Service Announcements shot by the Glee cast would run during commercial breaks to “speak directly to the audience,” about the circumstances surrounding the 31-year-old’s death. Proceeds from the episode that addresses character Finn’s death will benefit a fund in Monteith’s name.

Michele, who Reilly called the show’s “pillar of strength,” shared excitement and relief at returning to the set. This is the third time Michele has spoken to fans since Monteith’s death. She broke her silence to fans earlier this week by posting a personal photo of she and Monteith on the beach. Two days later, she said she was spending time, “surrounded by great friends,” and wished her fans “lots of love.”

Image: Fox