Christina Milian felt 'so honoured' to be 'handled' to take on Naya Rivera's 'Step Up' role (exclusive)

Season 3 premieres Oct. 16, and Christina Milian is reprising the role of Collette Jones. The role was originated by the late Naya Rivera. Christina spoke EXCLUSIVELY with HollywoodLife about playing the character after Naya.

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Christina Milian as Collette Jones. (STARZ)

"Step into the role of Collette Jones was a challenge. It was fun. I felt so honored that they made me confidence to play this character, but also knowing the situation. This character has been around for two seasons, has a very strong story and there are so many layers to this woman. With so much respect for Naya Rivera and her acting, I was makes her a huge fan. As an actress and as a mother, for me, I felt so connected even to that situation, it was a big choice for me to even take on the role," Christina told HollywoodLife.

She continued, "When I finally made that choice, I think it was kind of a common belief between me, STARZ, the same with Holly [Sorensen] , that, hey , you can do it, you can understand it. We can understand this consecutively. We can tell this story with class. You can do it and become your own version of Collette. It took me a while. J I said a few prayers. I even cried, I admit. I had days where I cried about it. It had nothing to do with anyone on set. It was just like, what it is. I think after a lot of prayer and just talking to myself and trusting what it was, I said, "Okay, trust the process ". You deserve it, and now is the time for Step Up fans, for Naya Rivera fans, for Collette Jones fans to continue this legacy and tell this story with a way which is unique to you."

Naya died in July 2020 following a tragic boating accident. The actress drowned in Lake Piru in California while swimming with her son, Josey. She was 33 years old. At the time, production was about to start on the third season, but it was put on hold after his death.

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Naya Rivera played the role of Collette in the first 2 seasons. (Broadimage/Shutterstock)

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