S.W.A.T. spoilers follow.
S.W.A.T. star Lina Esco is leaving the series ahead of the already confirmed sixth season.
The actress has been playing Christina 'Chris' Alonso since the first season of the show premiered in 2017 and has now confirmed that season five, which aired its finale in the US on Sunday (May 22), will be her last.
What to Read Next
In a statement, Esco has opened up about leaving the show and her beloved character behind to "pursue new creative endeavours".
Related: S.W.A.T. star Shemar Moore discusses big change for season 4 and important reason behind it
"Bringing to life a strong, smart, bisexual character like Chris Alonso has been both a pleasure and a powerful opportunity to increase visibility for diverse women everywhere," the actress said (via TVLine).
"Five years later, I am leaving S.W.A.T. to pursue new creative endeavours. Chris never backs down from the unknown and as an actor and director, I'm excited to step out of my comfort zone and embark on a new chapter, too."
The character's exit storyline has been playing out onscreen in recent weeks, as Chris made the decision to leave S.W.A.T. to take over the running of a local safe house for immigrant women fleeing dangerous situations from Mama Pina after she was hospitalised.
Last night's season finale saw Chris work her last day on S.W.A.T. and share meaningful gifts with her friends and colleagues as she said her goodbyes.
Related: S.W.A.T. bosses promise to "do better" for season 4 following George Floyd's death
Esco described leaving S.W.A.T. as "one of the most difficult decisions" she's had to make, adding: "I'm forever grateful to my S.W.A.T. family – my fellow cast, writers, and producers – for an incredible journey.
"To the amazing S.W.A.T. fans, you are the heart of the show. I can't thank you enough for your support and for walking beside me through all of Chris' journey!"
The actress first told producers of her intention to leave the show a year ago, as the S.W.A.T. showrunners explained in their own statement.
"For five seasons and 106 episodes, we've had the pleasure to watch Lina Esco bring Chris Alonso to life on S.W.A.T.," they wrote.
"When Lina came to us a year ago to express her desire to eventually pursue other endeavours, we all worked hard to give Chris a proper, season-long sendoff, knowing what an important, iconic character she's been to our audience.
"What Lina brought to the show, and what Chris represented to our audience, are hard to replace. We'll miss Chris, but we'll especially miss Lina, as we wish her the best of luck with everything she chooses to do next."
S.W.A.T. airs on CBS in the US.
Best Entertainment and Tech Deals
Coronation Street X Joanie - Gilroy Retro Newton And Ridley Sweatshirt
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
