"Thank you all for embracing Lucille"

Call the Midwife actress Leonie Elliott has bid farewell to the show. The actress confirmed she won't be returning for series 13. Leonie played the beloved Nurse Lucille Robinson on the show for six years. She issued an emotional statement this afternoon; "Thank you all for embracing Lucille and rocking with me on this journey. "It is with a heart full of love and appreciation that I embark on pastures new." Leonie said she adored playing Lucille. https://twitter.com/Leonie_Elliott/status/1630200063904346112 "Having spent 6 years on a truly wonderful show, with a fantastic team I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with Lucille. "I feel honoured to have represented the pioneering Windrush generation and their incredible impact on British society." Leonie also praised the cast and crew of Call the Midwife. "I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to the brilliant cast and our uber-talented creative team: Heidi Thomas, Pippa Harris and Annie Tricklebank." "Thank you again for all your support, it is hugely appreciated. Super excited for what's coming next!" Leonie Elliott last appeared in series 12 of Call the Midwife. Her character left Poplar in episode two after she was diagnosed with depression. Lucille returned home to Jamaica to get better and to spend more time with her family. Fans were heartbroken following the star's news. One said the show won't be the same without her. Others said they adored seeing Leonie play Lucille for the last six years.

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Leonie Elliott is leaving Call the Midwife

Here are the Call the Midwife characters returning for series 13

Watch: The trailer for the Call the Midwife finale is here