Jennifer Morrison has announced she’s leaving
ABC’s “Once Upon a Time.
The actress, who plays Emma Swan on the
series, announced the news in an Instagram post on Monday morning.
“As I reached the end of my 6 year contract on
ONCE UPON A TIME, I was faced with a significant decision. ABC, Eddy Kitsis,
and Adam Horowitz very generously invited me to continue as a series regular.
After very careful consideration, I have decided that creatively and
personally, it is time for me to move on,” Jennifer said on her Instagram
page.
WATCH: ‘Once Upon A Time’ Stars: When They Realized Their Show Was A Hit
“Emma
Swan is one my favorite characters that I have ever played. My 6 years on ONCE
UPON A TIME has changed my life in the most beautiful ways. I am absolutely
blown away by the passion and commitment of the Oncer fans. I am so honored to
have been a central part of such a special show.
“I will
be forever grateful to Adam, Eddy, and ABC for giving me the gift of playing
Emma Swan,” Jennifer wrote.
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ABC has not
announced a renewal of “Once Upon a Time,” which is currently in its sixth season. But, ABC’s Upfront presentation, where renewals and
pickups of new shows are confirmed, is set to occur later this month.
Jennifer added
in her post that she will appear on “Once” in one episode if it is
picked up for its seventh season.
“If ABC Network does in fact order a season
7, I have agreed to appear in one episode, and I will most certainly continue
to watch ONCE UPON A TIME. The creativity of the show runners has always
inspired me, and I cannot wait to see the ways that they continue to develop
and reinvent the show,” she added.
Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, “Once Upon a Time” creators and executive producers, released a statement following Jennifer’s announcement.
WATCH: ‘OUAT’: Colin O’Donoghue’s Comic-Con Surprise For Jennifer Morrison
“The past six
years of collaborating with Jennifer as Emma Swan have been truly
magical,” they said. “Watching her breathe life into Emma, she
accomplished more than we could have dreamed possible — she gave life to a
brand-new Disney Princess, filled with strength and intelligence and an
incredible closet full of red leather jackets. We’ll miss seeing her
every day, but her imprint upon ONCE UPON A TIME is indelible. She will
always be a part of the show and its heart and soul. That said, just
because Jennifer won’t be back every week doesn’t mean we won’t see our savior
again.”
“Once Upon a Time” Season 6 continues Sunday nights at 8/7c on ABC.
— Jolie Lash
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