JUST IN: CASTLE Star Stana Katic Will Not Return for Show's 9th Season!

Deadline reports exclusively that CASTLE star Stana Katic, who portrays Detective Kate Beckett opposite Nathan Fillon's Rick Castle in the ABC drama, will not return to the series should it get a Season 9 pickup.

In addition, series star Tamala Jones, who portrays medical examiner Lanie Parish, will also not return. According to the site, Fillion is currently in discussions to return for a 13-episode ninth season.

Katic declined to comment on details of her exit, but did tell Deadline, "Rather then distract from what was an amazing experience, I would just like to say that I'm very grateful to ABC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a much beloved show. Thank you to the fans."

A statement to Deadline from ABC reads, "Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit series Castle for the past 8 years. We are grateful for Stana Katic's talent and dedication to the series and we hope to continue our relationship. Tamala Jones has also been an integral part of the series and we are grateful she was a part of Castle."

Jones told Deadline of her departure, "I've had so much fun playing the wonderful and unfiltered Lanie over the past eight seasons. I will greatly miss the cast and crew - it's been a privilege getting to work with this incredibly hard working group of people. Thank you to ABC for this opportunity and to the fans for their unwavering support. It's been an incredible journey and I can't wait for what lies ahead!"

Image courtesy of ABC