We'll probably never know what really could have happened romantically between 'NCIS' agents Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo, now that Michael Weatherly says he's leaving the long-running CBS drama.
Weatherly, who plays "very special agent" DiNozzo, has been with "NCIS" since it debuted in 2003. Cote De Pablo who played Ziva left the show in 2013 amid contract negotiations with the network, prompting a social media outcry from her fans.
De Pablo said the exit was "rushed," Fox News said.
In postings on his Twitter account Tuesday, Weatherly thanked the show's fans worldwide and said "NCIS" was a "fantastic ride," reported The Associated Press. He called DiNozzo a wonderful character, one who was fun to play.
In a statement, CBS said Weatherly will leave "NCIS" at the end of this season. The network said it looked forward to working with Weatherly as part of its ongoing development deal with him.
Mark Harmon stars in the top-rated drama about Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents in Washington. The show is part of a popular franchise for CBS, with other "NCIS" series set in Los Angeles and New Orleans.
Chilean-born actress de Pablo left the door open to the possibility of returning to "NCIS."
"I think the fact that they never killed the character off is very telling," de Pablo said of agent Ziva David, according to TV Line. "Under the right circumstances, I think it could definitely be explored."
Fox News reported. "NCIS" creator Gary Glasberg made a similar comment.
"We didn't kill her," Glasberg said, according to TV Guide. "So, Ziva's still out there and she's still alive . . . We'll just have to see what happens."
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