With 24 brand-new episodes, season seven of Degrassi: The Next Generation picks up in the middle of the school year – where past, present and new Degrassi students are faced with fierce competition, blossoming relationships and new hardships.

Two of Degrassi’s finest – Charlotte Arnold, who plays Holly J, and Marc Donato, who plays Derek – spoke with andPOP about the new season.

Degrassi airs Mondays at 7:30 p.m. ET on CTV.