The Shocking Truth Behind the Pretty Little Liars Star's Rollercoaster Journey: Fired, Rehired, and a Rollercoaster Ride of Emotions

Lindsey Shaw, known for her role in Pretty Little Liars, recently shared her experience of being fired from the show during season 5. However, she was later brought back for the final season, season 7. Shaw played the character of Paige McCullers, who was a love interest for Emily Fields. In season 5, Paige was written out of the show, but she returned in the last season, deciding to no longer pursue Emily. Shaw discussed these events and revealed that her departure during season 5 was due to her struggles with drugs and food. Despite this setback, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reprise her role in season 7.

During my struggle with substance abuse, I conveniently avoided addressing my relationship with food since I always had the option of relying on Adderall. It was a difficult situation, especially when I was ultimately dismissed from Pretty Little Liars during season five due to my excessive weight loss. This experience was incredibly embarrassing.

I vividly remember being summoned to the office of the creator of Pretty Little Liars, where she informed me that I was being let go. She assured me that it was not due to my acting skills, but rather out of concern for my well-being. She urged me to seek professional help and explained that I had to be let go temporarily.

How Paige's Absence Impacted Pretty Little Liars

Shaw expresses the emotional intensity of her last scene with Mitchell, describing how both of them were in tears during filming. Subsequently, Shaw made the decision to depart from Los Angeles, California, and resettle in Arizona for a duration of two years, aiming to prioritize her mental well-being. Since then, she embarked on a transformative journey towards sobriety, enabling her to overcome her previous struggles with food and drugs.

Shaw's departure from Pretty Little Liars in season 5 made it clear that Emily would not end up with Paige as her final romantic partner. However, in a surprising turn of events, Emily eventually married Alison DiLaurentis, the character whose initial disappearance sparked the events of the show. When Shaw returned as Paige in the final season, her character's journey involved making the difficult decision to let Emily go and accepting her relationship with Alison with a mix of sadness and acceptance.

It is unfortunate that Shaw was let go from Pretty Little Liars in season 5. However, her comeback in the final season and her personal growth since leaving the show highlight her triumph over addiction. By prioritizing her mental well-being, Shaw has managed to overcome a challenging period in her life. This resilience has allowed her to deliver a memorable performance as Paige in Pretty Little Liars once again.

Source: EW