New Beverly Hills bad boy Matt Lanter was recently interviewed by Popeater. He talked about Dustin Milligan’s 90210 departure, his own rising popularity and the future of the show.

“We all really love Dustin,” Lanter said of Milligan, who has reportedly been released from his 90210 contract and will not be returning for the second season. Milligan played Ethan Ward on the show. “He will be missed, but I think everyone knows it’s business,” Lanter, who plays Liam (last name unknown) added.

Lanter’s sudden inclusion as a regular cast member on the show, in the wake of Milligan’s equally surprising departure, has made him a target for celebrity gossip. On a recent appearance in Page Six, Lanter commented, “I guess being in the public eye, you have to be aware of that stuff. You know it’s going to happen, to a degree.”

Lanter also talked about “new characters” who may be introduced to 90210 and West Beverly Hills High, saying that Milligan’s departure doesn’t necessarily add up to more screen time for any of the existing actors on the show.