**SPOILER ALERT — a key plot point for the "NCIS" season finale is revealed below.
"NCIS" has bid farewell to one of its longtime stars.
The series' season 18 finale sees the exit of Emily Wickersham.
There has been speculation that the actress, who has played Ellie Bishop in the CBS drama since season 11, would exit the show following the dramatic end to season 18's finale, but it still came as a shock to fans when she confirmed the news Wednesday on Instagram.
"Hangin this hat and jacket up. What a great ride it’s been," she wrote. "This cast, this crew, are top notch. I can’t say enough kind words about this group that I’ve had the pleasure of working with for close to 8 years now and 172 episodes later."
Wickersham added, "This business is finicky and weird and consistency is a rarity. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of a show where I got to show up and act and laugh and learn with wonderful people. A moment in time I surely won’t forget. Thank you CBS and NCIS for including me in a part of television history. Time goes fast. Eat it up but chew slowly."
In Tuesday's episode, Bishop outed herself as the person who leaked a confidential NSA file several years ago, but it was all part of a strategic plan to go undercover as a disgraced NCIS agent with Odette (Elayn Taylor). In the finale, she leaves after giving Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) a goodbye kiss, saying she’ll be gone for a long time, according to Deadline.
Shortly after revealing her exit, Wickersham's Instagram was flooded with messages from heartbroken fans and fellow cast members.
"Love You Em!," replied Maria Bello, while "NCIS" newcomer Katrina Law commented with heart emojis.
Brian Dietzen, who has played Dr. Jimmy Palmer on "NCIS" since 2004, also left a message of support.
"So damn proud of you my friend," he replied to Wickersham's Instagram post. "Also, I’m gonna miss the hell outta you on set. I can’t wait to see what you do next. Whatever it is, I’ll be there in the front row."
Fans meanwhile, protested Wickersham's departure from the show.
"Nooooooo! Your character has grown so much from the days of eating chips on the floor," one wrote.
"Going to miss you so much. it truly won’t be the same without Ellie. Thank you for all the work you’ve put in to this character over the years. We’ll never forget," a second replied.
"Crying but grateful for this ride as well. Thank you for bringing Ellie Bishop to life. Casting could not have done better. You’ll always have a home in the hearts of your fans," a third added.
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Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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