Note: This article contains spoilers for The Walking Dead season 9.
With Andrew Lincoln set to leave The Walking Dead at the end of his impressive nine-season run, cast mate Tom Payne – who plays Jesus on the show – has revealed he wasn't surprised by him quitting.
He said he understands why Lincoln decided to leave the role, both for personal and professional reasons.
Related: The Walking Dead season 9: Release date, cast, new showrunner and everything you need to know
"I think when Carl died last year and Chandler left, I think that was a moment for him of: 'OK, where does this leave Rick? And how does he move forward?' I think that was a pause for thought," Payne told Digital Spy.
"As far as Andy goes, I'm completely with him on the fact that he needs to spend some more time with his family. He had just had a baby when the show got picked up.
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"He's in Atlanta for eight months out of the year – for eight years, now. So that's tough on anyone, and I completely agree with decision to concentrate on his family for now. And I would do the same."
Payne said he understands that as Lincoln was leading such as popular show, it would have taken a toll physically and mentally on him to a certain extent.
"I think being part of one of the most successful shows – well, leading one of the most successful shows in the history of television, is enough for anyone. If he retired tomorrow, I wouldn't bemoan him for it.
"If you look at all of the work that Andy's done – and not just Andy, a lot of the cast. But Andy has been in floods of tears, with snot hanging out of his nose, and he's exhausted and covered in blood.
"Psychologically and physically, that's got to take its toll on you."
Since the news was announced, the cast have been paying tribute to the actor, and sharing some of his last moments on set.
The Walking Dead airs on AMC in the US, and on FOX and NOW TV in the UK. Season 9 premieres on October 7 in the US and October 8 in the UK.
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Tasha is a freelance writer for with a particular interest in the representation of women in film and TV. After graduating with a Literature degree then journalism qualifications with News Associates a few years further back than she’d like to admit, Tasha began her freelance career. She’s worked as a writer, editor and commissioning editor for a number of publications including Digital Spy. She is also a theatre critic. LinkedIn
