Despite the fact that Nina Dobrev will not return to "The Vampire Diaries" this fall, there will still be a lot to look forward to in Season 7, including the introduction of the Lily "Mama" Salvatore's family of heretics.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the show will include a same-sex couple for the first time. Executive producer Julie Plec elaborated on this spoiler during the San Diego Comic-Con last weekend, revealing details about the lesbian couple, the name of a third new character and the actresses who have been cast to play each role.

"Legend of the Seeker" star Elizabeth Blackmore has been tapped to play Valerie, one of Lily's heretics with "powerful magic and a dark and moody attitude," reports The Hollywood Reporter. She doesn't seem impressed by Mystic Falls and rebels against Lily's family rules. Plus, she's on a pathway of revenge that starts a "dangerous chain of events that will change the face of Mystic Falls."

Actress Scarlett Byrne from "Falling Skies" and "Harry Potter" has been cast as Nora, a heretic with a cute tomboy look, who is dating a heretic named Mary Louise. Although Nora has a wicked sense of humor and potent magic, she is not too interested in mingling with the residents of Mystic Falls, and instead seems to find thrill in retaliation and mayhem.

Lastly, Teressa Liane from "Neighbours" has signed on to play Mary Louise, who is described as an opinionated heretic with both a girly and feisty side. Mary Louie, who also has strong magical powers, will team up with her girlfriend, Nora, and Valerie to wreak havoc.

Plec added that all three characters, who will debut in the season premiere," are "nasty, nasty, nasty girls," reports Entertainment Weekly.

In addition to the three new female roles, E! News reports that two men will join the Mystic Falls gang next season.

Oscar, a 30-something-year-old Asian guy, is described as "a laid back stoner who's been living the high life off the grid for months...but his zen lifestyle comes to a screeching halt when a spell destroys his memories and turns him feral."

The other character, Julian, is "a male in his early 30s who speaks with an English or Old World accent, is a feared, storied immortal, regarded as pure charisma or pure creep, depending on whom you ask. The one thing he fears is anonymity, an unlikely outcome given that he's perpetually on the run, leaving chaos in his wake, and attracting even more dangerous followers. "

Furthermore, executive producer Caroline Dries acknowledged that the "challenge for the writers in season seven is topping the villain from the previous season. And by bringing in Lily's family, it's the first time we've seen our characters go against them and they go, 'Oh, we don't know what we're doing.' It's very hard."

The Season 7 premiere of "The Vampire Diaries" will air on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. on The CW.