Much speculation had been surrounding the absence of Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones from the upcoming 'Sex and the City' spin-off.

'And Just Like That' is currently filming in New York with Sarah Jessica Parker (as Carrie Bradshaw), Kristin Davis (Charlotte York), and Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes) all back as those iconic characters, now navigating life and love in their 50s.

But Samantha was such a massive presence in the series, she wasn't going to be easy to replace.

Sarah Jessica Parker previously said of her former co-star's absence (who she has a long-running history of feuding with): "Samantha isn't part of this story. But she will always be part of us. No matter where we are or what we do. X"

A new BFF has been written in for Carrie for 'And Just Like That...'

She's a documentarian called Lisa Todd Wexley and Nicole Ari Parker is playing the role, reports The Guardian.

Ari Parker is known for the acclaimed series 'Empire' as well as Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Boogie Nights'.

Her character is the fourth member of the New York friend group, officially replacing Samantha.

Other new cast members for 'And Just Like That...' include Sara Ramirez, Karen Pittman and Sarita Choudhury.

As for those back from 'Sex and the City', fans can look forward to John Corbett returning as Aidan Shaw, David Eigenberg as Steve Brady, Evan Handler as Harry Goldenblatt, and Chris Noth as Mr. Big/John James Preston.

Also returning are Mario Cantone as Anthony Marentino and Willie Garson as Stanford Blatch. Plus there will be a guest appearance from the infamous Bitsy von Muffling, played by Julie Halston.

'And Just Like That...' will consist of ten episodes.

The series premieres on HBO Max in late 2021.