NCIS is going to be one agent down after the current season.
CBS has confirmed that Michael Weatherly, who plays lovable jokester Tony DiNozzo on NCIS, will be leaving the show at the end of the current season.
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The network said in a statement:
"After 13 years on NCIS, Michael Weatherly is leaving the show at the end of this season. He is a valued part of the CBS family, and the immense charm and talent he brings to the screen as “Very” Special Agent Tony DiNozzo has helped make NCIS what it is today – the #1 drama in the world. We thank Michael for all of his contributions to this successful franchise and look forward to continuing to develop projects with him as part of our ongoing development deal.
The actor further confirmed the news via Twitter, where he thanked fans saying, "it’s been a fantastic ride!"
DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons pic.twitter.com/GR7YSsmsKJ— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) January 5, 2016
Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. pic.twitter.com/eqF5y6GSNw— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) January 5, 2016
I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world - THANK YOU, it’s been a fantastic ride!— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) January 5, 2016
TVLine was the first to confirm the news.
Weatherly's departure will come more than two years after NCIS said goodbye to another major player, Cote de Pablo, who played Ziva David.
Weatherly and de Pablo's characters were partners and on-screen love interests. The actress' exit led to a world of backlash from fans, who seem to be taking news of Weatherly's departure equally as well.
michael weatherly leaving ncis is like anthony edwards being okay with mark dying on er— twelveriver mads ☆ (@remycadley) January 5, 2016
@M_Weatherly no ZIVA and then now no DINOZZO!?NCIS won't never be the same again— KiefLy FTW (@Casidman) January 5, 2016
WAIT. WAIT WAIT WHERE THE HELL IS DINOZZO GOING....@M_Weatherly @NCIS_CBS— Laurennn (@Laurenbella) January 5, 2016
I know I can get too emotionally invested in tv & books but I'm just destroyed over @M_Weatherly leaving @NCIS_CBS. I'll get over it but — Shannon (@ShannonKay67) January 5, 2016
@M_Weatherly YOU BROKE ROULE NO 12 WHEN YOU WALK AWAY CAUSE YOUR WORK ISN'T DONE ! COME BACK TO #NCIS THEY ALL MISS YOU JUST LIKE WE DO — sheshe loves Zayn (@MyMrMalik) January 5, 2016