They do this all the time with Indian dramas. If an actor or actress wants to leave the cast, and they still need his/her character, they replace his/her character with a different actor/actress, even if it's the main actor/actress. This way is more flexible, as the writers get to control the characters instead of the cast. They don't have to write out any character just because the actor/actress leaves. I would rather a character I like be replaced with a different actor/actress than be completely written off, unless the only reason i like the character is because of the actor/actress. I wish they replaced Eric with a different actor when Connor Paolo wanted to leave, instead off writing his character off.

I probably wouldn't care for the character anymore if they switched actors/actresses.

^ Same here.

DEFO !