Farewell, Mystic Falls! Kat Graham, who has played witch Bonnie Bennett on The Vampire Diaries since the supernatural drama's 2009 pilot episode, tells Us Weekly exclusively that she is leaving the show after season 8.
The actress, 26, spoke to Us at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Sunday, April 3, at the Forum in Inglewood, California, where she revealed that it will be tough to say goodbye to the popular CW series, which is currently airing its seventh season.
"Season 8 will be my last season," Graham says. "I just hope that whatever I do after, the crew can come with me. If the crew can come with me, then we'll be good. The crew is going to be the hardest thing to let go, because we are a family."
"But you know what, another season is a whole other year, and we’re going to blow it out," she continues.
Indeed, Graham points out that Bonnie will face some emotional moments as season 7 comes to a close. Recent episodes have involved the witch recovering from an attack by Tyler (Michael Trevino), and teaming with Damon (Ian Somerhalder) to take down Rayna (Leslie-Anne Huff).
"There’s some really intense stuff with my character this season," the Hannah Montana alum says. "I think the biggest episodes I’ve ever had are 20 [airing April 29] and 21 [airing May 6]. It's pretty major for the character — huge turns, a lot of stunts and cool s–t!"
Tell Us: Will you miss seeing Bonnie on The Vampire Diaries?
The Vampire Diaries airs on Fridays on The CW at 8 p.m. ET.