Michael Weatherly, Very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, Leaving 'NCIS' This Season

There is big casting news coming out of NCIS.  Michael Weatherly is leaving the hit show. This will be the last season for very special agent Anthony DiNozzo.

The fan favorite took to Twitter with strong hints instead of an official announcement about his departure, singing the praises of the character he plays, his cast, the crew and the network. Weatherly kicked off his many Tweets by simply with a selfie saying, "DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons."

After his initial Tweet, the actor went on to post a selfie with co-star Pauley Perrette that was captioned, "Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime." He rounded his Twitter session with a shout out to the cast and crew saying, "I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world - THANK YOU, it's been a fantastic ride!"

Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. pic.twitter.com/eqF5y6GSNw

— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) January 5, 2016

Shortly after the news broke that Michael Weatherly was leaving NCIS, CBS released a statement that acknowledged the huge part the star played in making the show and his character a huge success. The network also thanked him for all he did to help make the franchise so successful.

While he may not be playing the special agent that he is known for, that does not mean Weatherly is leaving TV for good. It has been confirmed that he actually has a development deal with CBS Television. They are reportedly working on projects now as part of that deal.

It is the end of an era for Gibbs and his crew. There is no word yet on how the popular character will exit the canvas but the speculation had already started. Will he die, will he leave with one of his many leading ladies or will he simply walk away from the job?  No one knows but is known is that fans won't learn DiNozzo's fate until May.