Sad day for Castle fans: Stana Katic is leaving the show for good

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Updated: Apr 19, 2016 18:41 IST

The stunning Stana Katic who played lead role of Captain Kate Beckett for eight seasons in ABC’s hit show Castle, will not return for a ninth.

The 37-year-old actor played Beckett in the crime series since its 2009 premiere. ABC decided not to renew her contract for “budgetary reasons”, reported Deadline.

The two were really popular with the fans. (ABC)

Her co-star Nathan Fillion, 45, who plays Beckett’s husband Rick Castle, is expected to return for season nine if it is renewed for a shorter 13-episode run.

Katic did not comment on the reasons for her departure, but said, “Rather than distract from what was an amazing experience, I would just like to say that I’m very grateful to ABC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a much beloved show. Thank you to the fans.”

Read: Castle made people laugh and that’s a big achievement, says Nathan Fillion

Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic in a still from the show. (ABC)

Katic is not the only female star leaving the show, season eight will also be the last for Tamala Jones, who played medical examiner Lanie Parish.

Tamala Jones, who played medical examiner Lanie Parish, is also leaving the show. (ABC)

ABC said in a statement, “Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit series Castle for the past eight years. We are grateful for Stana Katic’s talent and dedication to the series and we hope to continue our relationship. Tamala Jones has also been an integral part of the series and we are grateful she was a part of Castle.

Sure enough, the fans will miss seeing Rick and Kate together.

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