The showrunner for The Walking Dead has admitted that there is a possibility that Lauren Cohan (Maggie) could be leaving the show at the end of season 8.

Cohan's contract is up at the end of the season and is in negotiations with AMC to sign a new deal. Reports have suggested that – although she is not seeking parity with Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus – she is unhappy with the salary offers put forward by the network.

And Scott Gimple confirmed to TVLine that negotiations are still ongoing.

Gene Page/AMC

"These things do happen in TV," he said of the possibility that Maggie might have to be written out. "But we're talking.

"Lauren is an actor who has such intuition and such power. Hopefully, it all works out."

Cohan is said to be seriously considering her options as she is reportedly looking at a number of TV pilot offers.

Gene Page AMC

In the comics, Maggie is still alive and plays a major part in the narrative, so any exit for the character would have repercussions.

Whether Cohan stays or goes, the show will see a massive shake-up anyway. Gimple is handing over the reins as Angela Kang becomes the first female showrunner of the AMC drama for the start of season nine.

The Walking Dead is due to return for the second half of its eighth season on Sunday, February 25 in the US on AMC. It'll be back on Monday, February 26 in the UK on FOX UK and NOW TV.

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