Actress Nina Dobrev has confirmed that she will be leaving "The Vampire Diaries" at the end of the series' current season.
After six season on the hit CW show, the 26-year-old actress talked in detail about her departure via an Instagram letter to her fans.
"I want to be the first to tell you that it wasn't just a holiday celebration, it was a goodbye party. I always knew I wanted Elena's story to be a six season adventure, and within those six years I got the journey of a lifetime," wrote the actress in a lengthy caption that promises more information as the season finale approaches.
The news doesn't come as a complete surprise given the series' crew were using the hashtag #ninawewillmissyou over social media during the holiday weekend but it is an unexpected turn for the series because of the importance of Nina's character.
Ian Caused The Departure?
There have been numerous reports about the supposed tension between Nina and real life ex-boyfriend/ on-screen romance Ian Somerhalder while on set. After the engagement of Somerhalder and Nikki Reed became public, Hollywood Life reported that Nina has been giving Ian the "cold shoulder" while on set.
The entertainment portal details that "Nina has been putting on a brave face ever since Ian, 36, got engaged to Nikki, 26, but it seems like the cracks in her heart are finally starting to show on the set of The Vampire Diaries."
The insider tipped that "Nina was acting cold towards Ian on set," and was said to be "kinda mean to Ian. He was directing her and moving her around and she would barely answer him."
Could it be that one of her primary reasons for leaving? Whatever may have factored into her decision, based on the content of her departure post, the brunette beauty does have other projects lined up.
Goodbye Nina
"Saying goodbye to Nina is both bittersweet and beautiful. After six-plus years together, the entire cast and crew of The Vampire Diaries has reached a level of closeness that I don't think any of us ever expected," quoted The Hollywood Reporter of Julie Plec in a statement.
"Nina is excited to spread her wings, get some rest, travel the world and also take it by storm, and we support her a thousand-fold. We will miss Nina and the 400 characters she played, but we look forward to the insane and exciting challenge of continuing to tell stories of our Salvatore Brothers and our much-loved and gifted ensemble."
Earlier, the series already announced its plans to pursue a seventh season so it will be interesting to see where the plot will go without the presence of Nina/ Elena.
The finale of "The Vampire Diaries" sixth season airs on May 14.
