Nina Dobrev Confirms Exit From 'The Vampire Diaries,' Michael Trevino Follows Her Out The Door

“The Vampire Diaries” star Nina Dobrev has confirmed her exit from the series at the end of the ongoing sixth season in an Instagram post late Monday, after rumours of her leaving started to circulate over the weekend. Showrunner Julie Plec also indicated that co-star Michael Trevino will be following Dobrev out the door.

Rumours of Dobrev leaving the CW drama first came to light when the cast and crew of the series shared photos of their holiday weekend with the hashtag #ninawewillmissyou. Dobrev, who plays Elena in the vampire series, confirmed the rumours in an Instagram photo of her hugging executive producer Plec. Her lengthy caption, addressing her whole "TVD" family and fandom, read that the retreat was not only a celebration but a goodbye party as well. It partly read, “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,” TV Line quoted Dobrev. She also reminisced about her time on the show and how much she enjoyed playing all her characters, including a human, vampire and a doppelganger.

Plec, who said that saying goodbye to Dobrev was “bittersweet and beautiful,” revealed that the whole "TVD" family gave its full-on support to Dobrev and that they all have reached a level of closeness that any of them didn't expect. She also added that while she was excited for Dobrev as she gets ready to see the rest of the world outside "TVD," she will also take on the challenge of continuing the tales of the Salvatore Brothers even without the leading lady.

Additionally, Plec also confirmed the departure of Michael Trevino, who plays Tyler Lockwood, in the vampire series. Trevino’s role in ABC’s “Kingmakers” necessitated his exit from "TVD," should the pilot move forward, The Hollywood Reporter stated. “Michael has been a beloved member of 'The Vampire Diaries' family since Day 1," Plec said in a statement, adding that her team will continue to find “creative ways to make sure he and his character Tyler Lockwood always remain a part of the show.”

The stars' exits came a year after several key players of the show made their own departure, including Dobrev’s onscreen brother, Steven R. McQueen (Jeremy) and Marguerite MacIntyre (Sheriff Forbes). No confirmation on whether Elena will be killed off in the show has been made, although Dobrev previously stated in a Buzzfeed report that she “believes characters need to die” so that the series will remain relevant, after everyone dying in the series is easily resurrected by the witches.

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