'Nashville' casts transgender actress Jen Richards

Transgender actress Jen Richards is set to make history on US network CMT thanks to a new role on TV series "Nashville."
Richards has landed a recurring role in the upcoming fifth season of the show, as a physical therapist who comes to the aid of a series regular through "one of their most difficult challenges", according Deadline.
Her casting marks the first time a transgender character will be featured on CMT (Country Music Television), and Richards is also the first out-transgender actor to appear on the network.
In addition to acting, Richards is a writer and producer, and she recently earned an Emmy nomination for co-creating and writing the digital series "Her Story," which centres on the dating lives of trans and queer women who also struggle with their identities.

Richards also appeared as herself on Caitlyn Jenner's "I Am Cait" docu-series, which was cancelled last month after two seasons.
Meanwhile, "Nashville" fifth season is set to premiere in January next year.
Most of the cast is returning for its new incarnation, including Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere, but the extent of their involvement in the new season has yet to be confirmed.