"I don't want this to turn into either an Oscar acceptance speech or an obituary."

Andrew Lincoln, better known to fans of The Walking Dead as Rick Grimes, has addressed his exit from the series for the first time. Reports began to circulate last month that the actor would be leaving the show after season 9 - and that he's only scheduled to be in a half dozen episodes. Lincoln spoke about leaving the role as The Walking Dead cast got together at Comic-Con International on Friday. According to DigitalSpy, he said:

"I don't want this to turn into either an Oscar acceptance speech or an obituary. "This has been... there's nothing but gratitude that I feel for this whole experience, and love for this bunch of people. It's changed my life, in a myriad of different ways. "[Showrunner Angela Kang] and the writing staff this season have been amazing. It's so good, and so energised."

Kang explained that Rick is going to have a "really cool story" this season, as they explore the aftermath of the "incredible soul-crushing loss" of his son, Carl, and his decision to save Negan at the end of the war. She added:

"You really see Rick step up as a leader, you see him, just the incredible goodness that he has inside shining through as he's really trying to deal with people who are philosophically in a different place."

Later on, speaking in Hall H, Lincoln stressed his love for the show and how "it means everything to me." He continued:

"I love the people who make this show. I promise not to cry – I've done enough crying on screen.

"I'm particularly fond of the people who watch this show, you people. This has been the most extraordinary, amazing and beautiful experience of my career… So I just want to thank you."

The actor, who is currently still slated to appear in some of season 9, encouraged fans to stick with the series when he does leave. He added:

"This has always been an ensemble, and it will continue to be an ensemble.

"No one is bigger than the story, and the story this year is unbelievable."