After six year of investigating crime scenes, Melina Kanakaredes is leaving CSI: NY, statements from the actress and CBS confirm.

The network expressed that they'd hoped Kanakaredes would continue with the program for at least another season, but "respect her decision to move on."

Despite reports that the actress, who played Detective Stella Bonasera along side co-star Gary Senise, was offered and rejected a pay-cut, Kanakaredes leaves with only good things to say about her time with the CSI franchise, saying, "I made some amazing and lifelong friendships during my six seasons on CSI: NY, and I will treasure them forever!"

CBS had warm parting words for Kanakaredes, saying her "amazing talent and invaluable contribution to the success of the series are greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten," but they're rebounding from the breakup quickly. Veteran actress Sela Ward is reportedly already in talks to replace Kanakaredes next season.

The news of Kanakaredes' departure ties off a month of crime drama casting shake-ups for CBS. As angry Criminal Minds fans are all too well aware, A.J. Cook will leave that series after a brief return in the fall to tie off her storyline, while Liz Vassey and Eddie Cibrian have been released from CSI and CSI: Miami, respectively.

What do you think, CSI fans? Sad to see Kanakaredes go--and do you see Sela Ward as a fitting leading-lady replacement?



Images courtesy of WENN