Naya Rivera on Monteith Tribute Shoot: 'It's Been the Worst Week Ever'

As BWW previously reported, the cast of Glee is currently shooting a special tribute episode to late actor Cory Monteith. The show, which will focus on Monteith's character Finn Hudson, is set to air Thursday, October 10th and will be titled 'The Quarterback.'

At Sunday night's MTV Video Music Awards, Glee stars Naya Rivera and Darren Criss commented on the highly emotional experience of filming the tribute episode for their close friend and co-star. "It's the worst thing that's ever happened to me," shared Rivera. "It is the hardest thing to do. It's been the worst week ever."

Added Criss, "We're shooting it right now. It's tough to shoot. It's something that needs to happen for the fans. I don't know; it's going to be tough. But it will be very poignant and hopefully very moving, and just that: a tribute. Hopefully it will be a good tribute to Cory."

Set entirely in Lima, Ohio, home of fictional McKinley High, where Hudson enjoyed four years as star quarterback, the episode will begin with the tragic news of the athlete's death before going on "to focus on all the characters remembering and mourning him, and celebrating his life."

Lea Michele, who portrays Rachel Berry, the on again-off again girlfriend of Finn, will not be seen until the final scene. While her appearance is brief, her performance is "incredibly powerful." A musical number performed by Michele's character will also be featured.

Glee creator Ryan Murphy recently told E! News he would shoot the emotional third episode of the series and then give the cast a break in order to regroup before moving forward with the fifth season.