Amanda Redman has announced that she will be leaving New Tricks.
The actress, who plays the part of Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman on the police drama, is set to film one more series before leaving the show next summer.
Speaking to The Mirror newspaper, Redman said:"I love New Tricks and I have loved playing Sandra - I've got some gritty plotlines - but I feel I have to try something new.
"And that is why I've decided I am going to film a further eight episodes and then I'll leave. The time's come. After a while, there is a danger of things getting stale."
Of her decision not to quit immediately, she explained: "It wouldn't have been fair on the audience. There is a loyalty to the fans. Our viewing figures are so high, it's only fair to do it properly.
"[The BBC] understand. They know I've been thinking about this for some time. I could have turned around and said I was leaving this year, but I didn't and they respect that."
New Tricks returns to BBC One on Monday, August 27 at 9pm.
