Some body swapping may have occurred during the midseason finale of The Originals on The CW Monday, but that doesn't mean the show's characters have changed.

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"It's definitely not a new character in any way," explained executive producer Michael Narducci to Entertainment Tonight on Monday. Of course there producer was talking about the final minutes of Monday night's episode, in which Rebekah was jumped from her immortal body (played by Claire Holt) to that of a trapped witch (played by Maisie Richardson-Sellers).

"It definitely is the Rebekah who we know and love who has been off raising Hope," added Narducci, who believes Richardson-Sellers is a great choice for the mortal Rebekah.

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Considering the role to be "a sacred part," showrunners searched carefully to cast an actress who could bring everything Holt had originated in the role.

"She's such a phenomenal presence," explained Narducci of their new star. "I mean right from her first audition you really see an incredibly strong sparkle and there's a great beauty, not only with physical beauty but there's a great inner beauty, that comes with her performance. There's also just this incredible strength."

Now that Rebekah is mortal, she will have to rely on her own character rather than simply physical power. "We really have a great opportunity to explore who Rebekah is," added Narducci, who also teased that the story behind the witch Rebekah is now inhabiting could be explored as well.

And what if Rebekah prefers her new body? Will she give up the safety of immortality for a normal life? By the end of the season, fans might finally get their answer.

The Originals will return on The CW for the remainder of its second season Monday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

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The Originals, The cw, Television