Walking Dead fans in for a HUGE shock as Andrew Lincoln is leaving and will only appear in six episodes of season nine
Andrew has played lead character Rick Grimes since the very first episode - but is quitting the show after nine years
FANS of The Walking Dead are set to be left devastated as it's revealed lead star Andrew Lincoln is quitting the show.
Since the very first episode of the hit AMC zombie apocalypse show, Andrew has been the driving force of the action and drama in his role as Deputy Sheriff-turned-zombie slayer Rick Grimes.
But now the 44-year-old British actor is cutting down his involvement as he turns his attention to films.
The actor is believed to be committed to just six episodes of the forthcoming ninth season of the long-running post-apocalypse drama.
And while it is possible the show could extend beyond season 9, it has been confirmed that Andrew has quit the show and won’t appear beyond it.
“Andrew is leaving because he's had enough of it and wants to focus his energy on movies,” a source told US Weekly.
Details of Andrew’s departure and that of his character’s fate have yet to be announced – however there is speculation he will be killed off.
While some fans fear Andrew’s departure from the show could kill off the series completely.
The Walking Dead has seen a decline in ratings in recent months due to unsettling and violent scenes and the death of original character Carl Grimes (Andrew’s on-screen son, played by Chandler Riggs).
However, long-running co-star Norman Reedus is believed to have signed a $20million contract (over £15million) to remain on the show and step up to leading man status.
Meanwhile, Lauren Cohan, who plays Maggie Greene, is also tipped to be quitting the show after season nine and is said to only be appearing in six episodes.
The actress, who has appeared on the show since season 2, is in high demand and has her own series, Whiskey Cavalier, in production.
Fans of the show are distraught by the cast shake up news and have been taking to social media to express shock, sadness, and fear.
“The most heartbreaking news of 2018 is that Andrew Lincoln is leaving TWD,” one distraught fan tweeted.
While another fears the show won’t survive without Andrew, tweeting: “If Andrew Lincoln is leaving The Walking Dead after next season, then next season needs to be the last season of The Walking Dead. End of discussion.”
However, one fan hopes the show will continue without Andrew, tweeting: "Silver lining is that norman reedus is taking the lead role."
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