<P> The series finale aired on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 8: 00--10: 00 p.m., as a special two - hour event . It featured interviews with the series' stars as they look back at the shows most memorable moments . </P> <P> Before season eight had finished filming, original cast members Bethany Joy Lenz and Sophia Bush signed on for a final season, while James Lafferty was expected to return part - time . Austin Nichols, Robert Buckley, Lisa Goldstein, Jana Kramer, Shantel Vansanten and Stephen Colletti are also contracted through season nine . The regulars for season nine--as listed on a press release from The CW--are Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, James Lafferty, Austin Nichols, Robert Buckley, Shantel VanSanten and Jackson Brundage . Though, others later signed on . At The CW upfront presentation, the network expressed confidence that Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton would return . Mark Pedowitz said, that with everyone knowing season nine will be the last, it makes it more possible for old cast members to return . On July 11, 2011, it was announced that Tyler Hilton would reprise his role as Chris Keller . Ten years have passed since he was last seen . He is rumored to return to help Haley run Red Bedroom Records as Peyton is still away . It was later reported that Hilton would return in the season premiere as a series regular . Kristin Dos Santos revealed that Paul Johansson will be returning to the series full - time as a regular . </P> <P> TV Line revealed that James Lafferty will appear in half of the season . Zap2it later reported that he will remain a series regular, and revealed he will appear in exactly seven episodes . Chelsea Kane has been cast in a recurring role as Tara, a rival café owner to Haley and Brooke . Lisa Goldstein will continue on the series as a regular . Jana Kramer will only appear in the first two episodes, due to the actress' musical commitments . Barbara Alyn Woods will be reprising her role as Deb Lee after taking a break from season six to spend time with her kids . Zap2it later reported that she will return for two episodes . Describing the circumstances around her return, they said she hasn't always been the most maternal person, but will prove she can still be "mom" when the situation demands it . </P> <P> The CW announced on their official website that Chad Michael Murray will return as Lucas Scott for a guest appearance . Lucas returns to Tree Hill when Haley reaches out to him for help . Murray later revealed he will return for one episode . He will appear in the seventh episode of the season . Murray revealed in an interview his reasons for returning, "The fans have loved this show and rooted for every character throughout its run . I know how important Luke's return is for our fans and wanted to give them one last' Lucas Scott' moment . Luke's return is for them ." Former Desperate Housewives actor Richard Burgi, has been cast as Brooke's father, in a recurring role . Allison Munn and Scott Holroyd will return during season nine as Miss Lauren and David Fletcher, respectively . They will return as a couple, and she will be carrying his child . Devin McGee--who portrayed Brooke's attacker and Quentin's murderer, Xavier Daniels during season six--will also return during the season . James Lafferty has signed on for one extra episode, which will be the series finale . Bevin Prince will return as Bevin Mirskey in the series finale . Antwon Tanner will also be a part of the final episode . </P>

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