Nina Dobrev announced her departure from The Vampire Diaries to her Instagram followers, confirming early rumors that the show's currently running sixth season is also her last one.
In her lengthy message, Dobrev said that she wanted to "spread her wings" and pursue other opportunities.
The actress is more popularly known in the show as the main protagonist Elena Gilbert. There were two other characters that she also played, although fans would always remember her as the girl who was torn between two lovers: brothers Damon and Stefan Salvatore. Now that she's leaving, fans are anticipating who among her lovers she would end up with in the finale.
In her Instagram account, Dobrev explained her decision to leave the show.
"I've just spent the most beautiful weekend on Lake Lanier in Georgia with my own TVD Family, the cast and crew of The Vampire Diaries. I want to be the first to tell you that it wasn't just a holiday celebration, it was a goodbye party. I invite you to hop on the roller coaster ride that is Elena Gilbert's life and join me as I celebrate her and prepare to say goodbye to her - and to my work family - as I move on to the next chapter of my life."
Prior to her lead role in The Vampire Diaries, Dobrev had her first break on Degrassi in her native Canada. She has also done a few movies, which include The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Julie Plec, Vampire Diaries' executive producer, only had warm wishes for Dobrev.
"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. We will miss Nina and the four hundred characters she played."
The Vampire Diaries is based on a series of books authored by L.J. Smith. The show's producers include Warner Bros. Television, CBS Television Studios, Alloy Entertainment, and Williamson's Outerbanks Entertainment. When the series premiered in 2009, it became an instant success as vampire-themed shows enjoyed huge popularity among fans during that time. Other vampire-themed hits that shared the limelight included Twilight and HBO's True Blood.
"For me, as we shed characters over the next couple of years, there's a challenge of keeping the storytelling fresh and exciting, and seeing if we can keep the audience excited and invested in the show because it takes a new spin and a new direction that's entertaining," added Plec.
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Photo: Kristin Dos Santos I Flickr
