Smallville fans can breathe a sigh of relief - in the wake of numerous departures from the show for the upcoming Eighth Season, Justin Hartley (who plays Green Arrow/Oliver Queen) has now been locked in as a series regular for the next season. E! Online brings us this good news about Hartley's regular reappearance on the show.

According to sources, Hartley will be able to spend more time exploring the character's origins then in his costumed state - which fits in nicely with the show's decision to focus on Clark Kent before he became Superman.

Additionally, it has been confirmed that Kristen Kreuk, who plays Lana on the show, will be back for a good number of episodes, though the exact number is yet to be determined.

Finally, the CW network has yet to cast the two new villains who will be appearing next season in the form of Tess and Doomsday (aka Davis Bloome).

Smallville airs Thursday nights on the CW. The drama about the early days of Clark Kent stars Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Aaron Ashmore and Justin Hartley.