ABC has decided to move on with Castle without the show's female lead, Stana Katic.

Katic, who plays Kate Beckett on the long-running series, will not be back for season 9, according to a new Deadline report.

"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," Katic said in a statement.

The report suggests that this decision was not made by Katic herself, rather, ABC and ABC Studios.

The Deadline report also states that Tamala Jones, who plays Lanie on the series, is also not coming back for season 9.

ABC issued the following statement in regard to this news:

"Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit series Castle for the past eight 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."

 "I've had so much fun playing the wonderful and unfiltered Lanie over the past eight seasons," Jones said in her own statement. "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!"

This news comes after months of uncertainty regarding the future of Castle. With Katic and the other series lead, Nathan Fillion, now at the point of one-year contracts, it has become increasingly difficult to predict a renewal or cancellation for the long-running series. 

However, the expected ninth season may have a shortened 13-episode run, which would likely serve as its final season.

Castle airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Tags: Castle television ABC