Emilie de Ravin and Rebecca Mader Break Silence as More 'Once Upon a Time' Stars Exit Ahead of Season 7

By
ABC


Once Upon a Time
's cast continues to dwindle ahead of its seventh season.

Emilie de Ravin and Rebecca Mader took to Instagram to announce that they would not be returning to the series as their respective characters, Belle and Wicked Witch of the West.


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"Dear #oncers. I wanted to tell you guys myself, but it seems the news was already released :/ ... I won't be returning to #onceuponatime for Season 7," de Ravin wrote alongside a photo of herself as Belle on Friday. "While I would have loved to continue exploring Belle's journey, the show has decided to move in a different creative direction."

"Massive thank you to all the fans for your incredible love & support towards me & this character over the past 6 yrs. It's been an honor & a privilege to bring Belle to life :)," she concluded. "Congrats to Adam & Eddy & the returning cast & crew!! I wish you all a wonderful 7th Season!! Much love ?xo."


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In her post on Thursday, Mader explained that it wasn't her decision to leave the show, but that she "respects and understands" the decision.


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Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White), Josh Dallas (Prince Charming) and Jared S. Gilmore (Henry) are also leaving Storybrooke, co-creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz announced in a statement on Friday. 

News of the major cast departures follows Morrison's announcement that she would be leaving the series on Monday, after six seasons playing Emma Swan. Once Upon a Time was renewed for season seven on Thursday, and is expected to focus on returning cast members Lana Parilla (Regina Mills), Robert Carlyle (Rumpelstiltskin) and Colin O'Donoghue (Captain Killian "Hook" Jones). 

ET has reached out to ABC for comment.  

The season six finale of Once Upon a Time airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.


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