Kanakaredes to leave CSI: NY after six years

Melina Kanakaredes is set to quit crime drama CSI: NY after six years. The actress — who plays Detective Stella Bonasera on the hit show — has announced that she will not be returning for the seventh series of the smash hit series.

“I made some amazing and lifelong friendships during my six seasons on CSI: NY, and I will treasure them forever!” Kanakaredes said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.

A joint statement from CBS Television Network and CBS Television Studios, which airs the show, said, “We hoped Melina would return to CSI: NY for another season, but we respect her decision to move on.

“Her amazing talent and invaluable contribution to the success of the series are greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. She will forever remain a friend to the network and studio and we wish her the very best.”

Production on the seventh season of CSI: NY — which also stars Gary Sinise as top detective Mac Taylor — will begin on July 28.