When Castle returns for Season 8, at least one familiar face will be missing from the 12th.

An ABC spokesperson confirms that Penny Johnson Jerald, who joined the procedural in Season 4, will not be returning as Captain Victoria Gates.

TVLine hears from sources that Jerald’s exit is one of several creative tweaks that Castle will be making for Season 8, under new co-showrunners Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley.

In a message posted via Twitter, Jerald said, “To my Castle fans around the world, as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no longer be a part of the Castle family. Thank you all for your support and love. Hugs from PJJ.”

Possibly, maybe, perhaps laying the groundwork for Gates’ departure: In the Season 7 finale, it was revealed that Beckett had “aced” her captain’s exam — while she also fielded an overture to run for the New York State Senate.

Prior to her four-season run as “Sir,” Jerald’s TV credits included NCIS, October Road, The 4400, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and, of course, 24, where she played fierce First Lady Sherry Palmer.

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