‘Castle’ Season 8 Spoilers: Kate Beckett becomes the Captain of the 12th Precinct? Penny Johnson Jerald Thanks Fans on Twitter

By Staff Writer

Jun 03 2015, 23:04 PM EDT

"Castle" will see the return of Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic as Rick Castle and Kate Beckett in season 8. While the show's lead characters are set to reprise their roles for the upcoming season, fans were saddened to hear that Penny Johnson Jerald, who plays Captain Victoria Gates, will no longer return in the series for season 8.

This article contains spoilers for "Castle" season 8. Read on to learn more about this story.

Many "Castle" fans were delighted upon hearing the news that the ABC police procedural drama has been renewed for season 8 and will see the return of Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion as Detective Kate Beckett and Rick Castle, respectively. While fans are already excited to see the series back on the small screen for another season, the show has recently bid farewell to one of its cast members.

Penny Johnson Jerald, who is best known for her role as Captain Victoria "Iron" Gates in "Castle," announced the news of her departure from the show via TwitLonger.

"To my Castle fans around the world, as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no longer be a part of the 'Castle' family. Thank you all for your support and love. Hugs from PJJ," the 54-year-old actress wrote.

Jerald has been in "Castle" since season 4 and has remained alive till the end of season 7, which leaves some fans wondering how her character will exit from the series. This news also raised speculations that Beckett will take over the 12th precinct according to Screent Rant. It also reported that she will find herself at a crossroads between running for Senate and heading her own precinct in the season 7 finale.

Meanwhile, TV Line detailed that several sources claim that Jerald's exit from the series has something to do with the show's "several creative tweaks" for Season 8 under its new team.

The show has recently found its new showrunners, Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley to fill in for David Amann. Hawley has previously written several episodes for "Castle" in seasons 2, 3, and 4 while Winter has served as the show's producer for the past five seasons.