Is Andrew Lincoln leaving The Walking Dead in season nine, is Norman Reedus staying and what about Lauren Cohan?
THE Walking Dead will have a hard time avoiding rotten ratings after the news lead star Andrew Lincoln is quitting the zombie-drama.
Andrew's Rick Grimes has been the driving force behind the series since its inception and his exit may cause other stars to follow. Here's all you need to know...
Is Andrew Lincoln leaving The Walking Dead in season nine?
On May 30 2018, it was announced that Andrew Lincoln is quitting his role as Deputy Sheriff-turned-zombie slayer Rick Grimes.
The 45-year-old British actor is cutting down his involvement as he turns his attention to films.
He is only contracted to appear in just six episodes of the forthcoming ninth season and speculation has risen that his character will be killed off.
He told Entertainment Weekly: "I have two young children, and I live in a different country, and they become less portable as they get older.
"It was that simple. It was time for me to come home."
In July 2018, the season 9 trailer was released, which teased his departure. You can watch the trailer below.
On November 4, Andrew made his last appearance as Rick in the TV series but show bosses were quick to announce the actor will be returning in three TV movies.
What does this mean for the return of costars Lauren Cohan and Norman Reedus?
Meanwhile, Lauren Cohan, who plays Maggie Greene, will also be following suit and quitting the show after the next six episodes.
The in-demand actress has been embroiled in a long-running standoff with show bosses about a new contract and fans were convinced Maggie was next to bite the bullet throughout season eight.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lauren was unable to renegotiate a new deal after securing the lead in ABC’s upcoming FBI series Whiskey Cavalier.
However, Norman Reedus' Daryl Dixon is being lined up to remain on the show and step up to leading man status.
The actor has reportedly landed a $20million deal to stay on the show.
When is The Walking Dead season nine?
The ninth season of The Walking Dead debuted on October 7, 2019.
Show bosses confirmed they have started rolling on new episodes even before they aired season 8: part 2.
The Walking Dead has seen a decline in ratings in recent months due to unsettling and violent scenes and the departures of original characters Carl Grimes and Lennie James
In the meantime, season four of spin-off show Fear The Walking Dead started in April.