Fans of CBS long-running hit show "NCIS" received shocking news recently. Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo is set to leave Gibbs and the "NCIS" team at the end of season 13.

The news that "NCIS" star Michael Weatherly will be leaving the show was first revealed on TV Line. According to the site, the 47-year-old actor was the one who decided to leave the beloved police procedural show.

A statement from CBS confirmed Weatherly's departure at the end of the current season.

"He is a valued part of the CBS family, and the immense charm and talent he brings to the screen as 'Very' Special Agent Tony DiNozzo has helped make 'NCIS' what it is today – the No. 1 drama in the world," the statement reads. It also mentioned that the network is looking forward to developing other projects with him.

Weatherly also took to social media after the TV Line report to confirm the news and thank the show's countless fans. The "Dark Angel" alum tweeted that he had fun playing the role of DiNozzo, a "wonderful, quixotic character."

He also thanked CBS' Les Moonves and the network but saved his biggest thanks for the "NCIS" cast and crew and the fans.

While Weatherly's departure came as a shock to loyal fans, the news was actually pre-empted by another "NCIS" pioneer, David McCallum. The actor, who plays Ducky, mentioned in his interview with the Vulture Hound that the character's departure has been in the works for a long time now.

Weatherly is the second original cast member who will be leaving the series. Sasha Alexander, who played Special Agent Kate Todd, left the show in the second season. But the main question that fans want answered is how the writers will handle DiNozzo's exit.

Kate was killed off in the season 2 finale while Cote de Pablo's Ziva David simply resigned from the team and relocated to Israel. DiNozzo being killed in the line of duty is certainly possible, as several of the show's notable characters met their demise while working a case. But it goes without saying that the fans would definitely prefer that DiNozzo leaves the show alive and healthy, making it possible for him to return.