Why are there rumors about Bailey leaving The Rookie? Explained

The Rookie, created by Alexi Hawley, premiered on October 16, 2018, and is based on William Norcross's real-life story of joining the LAPD in his mid-40s.

Starring Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, the show follows his journey as the LAPD's oldest rookie. Now in its seventh season, The Rookie remains popular for its engaging plots and strong characters.

Rumors about Bailey Nune's exit from The Rookie surfaced after her absence in the season 7 premiere. Fans speculated whether the character would be written off, while others attributed Jenna Dewan's reduced screen time to her real-life circumstances

Jenna Dewan plays firefighter Bailey Nune, John Nolan's wife. She became a series regular in season 4 after appearing as a guest in season 3.

Fans love her storylines, which often overlap with Nolan's. Her relationship with Nolan and dramatic plotlines involving her past and ex-husband Jason Wyler have deepened the show.

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Reasons behind the rumors about Bailey leaving The Rookie

Bailey’s absence in season 7 premiere

Bailey’s absence in the season 7 premiere raised questions among fans. It was revealed through a conversation between Nolan and Celina Juarez that Bailey was on deployment with the National Guard.

This temporary assignment keeps her away from ongoing threats, particularly her dangerous ex-husband, Jason Wyler, who recently escaped from prison.

Showrunner Alexi Hawley clarified in an exclusive interview with Screen Rant (published January 8, 2025) that Bailey's absence is temporary, and she will return in episode 3. This explanation reassured fans that Bailey remains an integral part of the storyline.

Jenna Dewan’s real-life pregnancy

Jenna Dewan's real life pregnancy may be one of the primary causes of Bailey's early departure. Rhiannon, Dewan's daughter, was born in June 2024. Her availability for the initial episodes of season 7 might have been affected by her maternity leave.

However, Dewan continues to be a dedicated series regular, and the storyline of her character will continue to develop throughout the season.

Bailey’s ongoing story

Bailey's character significantly influences the current season. Jason Wyler, her ex-husband, has escaped from prison and is a significant threat to her and Nolan. Her narrative is centered on him. The drama and action in this plotline are expected to be intense, which will further solidify Bailey's role in the show.

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The Rookie and its storylines

The Rookie has been praised for having interesting stories and characters that readers can relate to. John Nolan is the main character of the show, but other characters like Bailey Nune make it more complex. The show keeps drawing people in with its mix of procedural drama and personal struggles.

The current season builds on the cliffhanger from season 6, where Jason Wyler’s escape sets the stage for high-stakes confrontations. As Bailey’s return aligns with this storyline, fans can anticipate her significant role in resolving these conflicts.

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All about Jenna Dewan: The actress behind Bailey

Jenna Dewan has a remarkable career as an accomplished actress and dancer. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, on December 3, 1980, she started her career as a backup dancer for well-known artists including Christina Aguilera and Janet Jackson.

Her performance of Nora Clark in the 2006 movie Step Up brought her accolades.

Her roles in Supergirl, American Horror Story: Asylum, and Witches of East End show her versatility. Her role as Bailey Nune on The Rookie shows her ability to portray complex and relatable characters.

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Cast list of The Rookie

Apart from Jenna Dewan, the show boasts an ensemble cast, including:

• Nathan Fillion as John Nolan
• Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez
• Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey
• Melissa O'Neil as Lucy Chen
• Eric Winter as Tim Bradford
• Mekia Cox as Nyla Harper
• Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers
• Tru Valentino as Aaron Thorsen

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Stay tuned for more news and updates on The Rookie and similar projects as the year progresses. You can watch the new season on ABC, the ABC website, or the ABC app with a cable login.

DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV subscribers can stream The Rookie live. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV offer free trials to eligible subscribers.