Do Stop Believin': Rachel axed from Glee

He said he had consulted Ms Michele, 24, when he made the decision. "I involved Chris and Lea and they thought that was a good idea.

"They felt that it would be great to have an open and closed experience for them to go out while they were on top."

He also revealed that the new season would focus more on Rachel's ambitions than her romantic life.

The actress wrote on twitter that she was happy with Mr Murphy's decision. "We always knew we'd graduate in real time," she said. "It's all part of the plan and it's all good."

Ms Michele, who won an Emmy award last year, launched her career with a starring role in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Spring Awakening.

She will next be seen in the Garry Marshall ensemble film New Year's Eve, alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Bon Jovi and Robert de Niro.