The Vampire Diaries: Nina Dobrev Has Left the Building

Well, she’ll be leaving the building next month, as she exits The Vampire Diaries permanently.

Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert) released the news last night via Instagram that she would exiting the fan favorite series, shocking a number of die hard viewers. She wrote a beautiful love letter to the show and the fans, thanking them for their dedication and loyalty. Below are a few excerpts from this lovely address.

“I always knew I wanted Elena’s story to be a six season adventure, and within those six years I got the journey of a lifetime…”

“I invite you to hop on the roller coaster ride that is Elena Gilbert’s life and join me as I celebrate her and prepare to say goodbye to her — and to my work family — as I move on to the next chapter of my life…”

“You, the wonderful fandom who gave more love, support and passion than anyone could have ever imagined seven years ago, when a young Degrassi girl from Canada showed up in LA to audition for ‘that Twilight TV show.’ 😉 I love you all. Fasten your seatbelts. If you think you know what’s coming, you don’t.”
Love, Nina

Reports have been circulating for well over a year now that there has been unrest on the set of The Vampire Diaries, after the acrimonious split of Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder. Some say it’s become so uncomfortable between the two that Nina has chosen to leave the show.

More likely, however, is the theory that Nina would like to pursue other areas of the industry, particularly film making. With her recent success in films such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Let’s Be Cops, it’s easy to see how Nina might want to free up her schedule and her availability for more leading roles, rather than sticking around in a part she’s been playing for six years.

Executive producer Julie Plec also released a statement via Just Jared to this effect:

“Nina is excited to spread her wings, get some rest, travel the world and also take it by storm, and we support her a thousand-fold.”

The news comes on the tails of the exit of two of her other co-stars, Marguerite MacIntyre (Liz Forbes), and Stephen R. McQueen (Jeremy Gilbert). Another cast member, Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood), has also been cast in a new pilot, though TVD showrunners have promised they will still try to incorporate him into the upcoming season.

But with so many original faces gone (and we’re not talking about those vamps down in New Orleans), it’s hard to see how the show can survive. For all that we love Stefan and Damon, and even Bonnie and Caroline and Enzo, the story of The Vampire Diaries has been, and always will be, the story of Elena Gilbert. Removing her from the equation takes away the central figure of the story, something that the show might not be able to afford with the recently plummeting ratings.

Rumors of a shortened Season 7 have already started to circulate, and while nothing has been confirmed yet, it would make sense.

Do you think the show can survive without Elena? Will this finally set to rest the question of Delena vs. Stelena? Let us know in comments below! 

Catch our latest review of The Vampire Diaries here.

The Vampire Diaries returns Thursday, April 16th to The CW at 8/7c

Lindsay MacDonald

Lindsay is an associate editor for Tell-Tale TV. She is a writer, viewer, and internet addict. Her obsession with TV started with Buffy the Vampire Slayer and has been going strong ever since; current favorites include Scandal, The 100, The Walking Dead, and Arrow. She considers a perfect Friday night to be a joint-cuddle-session between an adorable puppy dog and her Netflix queue. Follow @lindsayjoane