Rebecca Mader Leaving Once Upon a Time After Season 6

Rebecca Mader has just announced on Instagram that she will be leaving ABC’s Once Upon a Time after season six.

Mader has been playing the role of Zelena and the Wicked Witch since 2013.

The news of her departure comes just a day after the show was renewed for a seventh season.

She starts her message by congratulating the show’s producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis on the show’s renewal, as well as congratulating her costars Lana Parilla, Robert Carlyle, and Colin O’Donoghue on continuing with the show next season.

“To my Darling Pretties, First of all I would like to start by congratulating Adam, Eddie, Lana, Bobby and Colin on the pick up of Once Upon A Time! I am truly happy for you all and most importantly for the fans that will get to keep tuning in each week to see where they will take us.”

She continues, “A lot of you have been asking if I will be joining everyone in Season 7, so I wanted to let you know personally that unfortunately I am not. This wasn’t my choice but a creative decision of the shows that I totally respect and understand.”

View this post on Instagram

To my Darling Pretties, First of all I would like to start by congratulating Adam, Eddie, Lana, Bobby and Colin on the pick up of Once Upon A Time! I am truly happy for you all and most importantly for the fans that will get to keep tuning in each week to see where they will take us. A lot of you have been asking if I will be joining everyone in Season 7, so I wanted to let you know personally that unfortunately I am not. This wasn't my choice but a creative decision of the shows that I totally respect and understand. The most important thing is that you all know how much you mean to me. I am told frequently both online and in person that by being a part of such a special show I have in some way changed someone's life. This is hugely meaningful to me. I am here to let you know that I am the one who has been changed. Not just by playing such a well written multi-dimensional character but by the fandom itself. I have heard your stories, your pain, your struggles, your achievements and I have truly felt you. I have learned. I have grown. I am a better person because of you, the fans and everyone that blessed me with this opportunity to play such an iconic role. Congrats all and thank you! I look forward to the next. I invite you to come with me on this journey. I am forever changed. And I'm wicked. And Wicked Always Wins. Forever yours, Bex ?

A post shared by Rebecca Mader (@bexmader) on May 11, 2017 at 11:19pm PDT

Mader is now the second cast member to announce their departure from the show.

Earlier this week, Jennifer Morrison, who plays the show’s protagonist Emma Swan, also announced that she would not be returning for another season.

Morrison said in an Instagram post, “As I reached the end of my 6 year contract on ONCE UPON A TIME, I was faced with a significant decision. ABC, Eddy Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz very generously invited me to continue as a series regular. After very careful consideration, I have decided that creatively and personally, it is time for me to move on.”

Other cast members Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas are also not expected to return, as they have yet to renew their contracts.

The two-hour Once Upon a Time season 6 finale airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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COVER PHOTO CREDITS: ABC