In bombshell news for fans of The Walking Dead, lead star Andrew Lincoln is reportedly leaving the series after nine years.
It’s been reported that Lincoln – who has played Rick Grimes since the show’s very first episode aired in 2010 – will only appear in six episodes of the forthcoming season when it premieres later this year with Norman Reedus’ Daryl becoming the show’s main character.
Following Lennie James’ jump to spinoff Fear the Walking Dead, the only remaining original characters on the main show are Carol (Melissa McBride) and Daryl (Norman Reedus).
While Cohan will return for season nine, Lincoln’s departure means that anything can happen – especially considering Whiskey Cavalier has been granted a full series.