It’s time for a new chapter. ‘Castle’ star Stana Katic is exiting the long-running ABC procedural following it’s currently airing eighth season, the network announced on Monday. Stana Katic, 37, has played NYPD Captain Kate Beckett since the March 2009 pilot. Her character tied the knot with mystery novelist Richard Castle in season 6 in 2014. Fellow original star Tamala Jones, the medical examiner is also leaving the show, which has not yet been confirmed for a ninth season, apparently owing to budgetary concerns. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Fillion is in talks for season 9 for a final run.” “Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit series ‘Castle’ for the past eight years. We are grateful for Stana Katic’s talent and dedication to the series, and we hope to continue our relationship,” the network said in a statement. “Tamala Jones has also been an integral part of the series, and we are grateful she was a part of ‘Castle’.” Katic said of the departure, which sources claim was never offered as a choice, “Rather than distract from what was an amazing experience, I would just like to say that I’m very grateful to ABC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a much beloved show. Thank you to the fans.” Katic is known for recurring roles on ‘Heroes’ and ‘ER’ and for such films as 2008’s ‘Quantum of Solace’. There are no details at this early stage on how ‘Castle’ to write out one of its two main characters, though co-showrunner Alexi Hawley told TVLine that, “ the Season 8 finale airing May 16 ends in a dynamic way that allows for the possibility that maybe the show won’t come back in the same form.