Rebecca Mader reveals she's leaving 'Once Upon a Time' after season 6 -- and it wasn't her choice

Jennifer Kline

It's been a week of casting bombshells for "Once Upon a Time" -- and fans aren't going to be happy about this one.

Just days after leading lady Jennifer Morrison announced her departure from the show, co-star Rebecca Mader revealed in a lengthy Instagram post that she too is leaving. However, there's one big difference between the two: While reports claim Morrison left on her own, Mader is making it clear that she got the boot.

"A lot of you have been asking if I will be joining everyone in Season 7, so I wanted to let you know personally that unfortunately I am not," she said. "This wasn't my choice but a creative decision of the shows that I totally respect and understand."

View this post on Instagram

To my Darling Pretties, First of all I would like to start by congratulating Adam, Eddie, Lana, Bobby and Colin on the pick up of Once Upon A Time! I am truly happy for you all and most importantly for the fans that will get to keep tuning in each week to see where they will take us. A lot of you have been asking if I will be joining everyone in Season 7, so I wanted to let you know personally that unfortunately I am not. This wasn't my choice but a creative decision of the shows that I totally respect and understand. The most important thing is that you all know how much you mean to me. I am told frequently both online and in person that by being a part of such a special show I have in some way changed someone's life. This is hugely meaningful to me. I am here to let you know that I am the one who has been changed. Not just by playing such a well written multi-dimensional character but by the fandom itself. I have heard your stories, your pain, your struggles, your achievements and I have truly felt you. I have learned. I have grown. I am a better person because of you, the fans and everyone that blessed me with this opportunity to play such an iconic role. Congrats all and thank you! I look forward to the next. I invite you to come with me on this journey. I am forever changed. And I'm wicked. And Wicked Always Wins. Forever yours, Bex 💚

A post shared by Rebecca Mader (@bexmader) on May 11, 2017 at 11:19pm PDT

Mader has played Zelena, The Wicked Witch of the West, since the show's third season.

Although it hasn't yet been confirmed, reports are swirling that Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas will also be exiting the ABC program. The only actors officially returning so far are Lana Parilla, Robert Carlyle and Colin O'Donoghue.

Although her post expressed disappointment, Mader isn't holding any resentment toward the cast and crew: "I am truly happy for you all and most importantly for the fans that will get to keep tuning in each week to see where they take us," she wrote.

See photos from ABC's "Once Upon a Time"

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