Silent Witness fans were left reeling on Wednesday night as two major characters were written out of the BBC One series at the end of its 23rd season.
Warning: spoiler alert!
Dr Thomas Chamberlain (played by Richard Lintern) died after being exposed to a nerve agent.
Forensic examiner Clarissa Mullery (played by Liz Carr) handed in her notice after Chamberlain's death, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family.
The Press Association reports that Lintern had portrayed Thomas Chamberlain since 2014, with Carr making her debut as Clarissa Mullery the previous year.
"After eight years of getting to play the fabulous character Clarissa Mullery, I've decided it's time to leave Silent Witness," she said.
"To quote Clarissa, 'I just know, deep down - that it's time for me to move on, to focus less on the dead and more on the living. On life'.
"Originally only employed for four episodes as Jack's (Hodgson, played by David Caves) sidekick, I am incredibly proud that I leave as a main character in one of the BBC's landmark dramas.
"Silent Witness has given me such an amazing opportunity to develop as an actor, but I know this is the right time to take a leap of faith, leaving what I know and seeing what other opportunities await.
"It has been a rollercoaster of a ride but I feel I'm leaving on an exhilarating high."
Carr said she had "loved" working alongside her colleagues "and I leave knowing I have their love and support for my decision".
She also paid tribute to the show's fans for their support.
"Without your love for the character, I doubt I'd have made it through my first series," she said.
"I hope you'll understand why we felt it was time to leave and that you'll continue your support for Silent Witness whilst hopefully following me in all my future adventures."
Seasons 24 and 25 of Silent Witness have been confirmed, with BBC drama controller Piers Wenger saying he "can't wait for viewers to see what is in store for its 25th anniversary in 2022".
