According to reports, Christopher Meloni who plays Elliot Stabler on Law & Order's SVU branch, will leave the show in 2012.
Meloni has been a part of the SVU team since 1999, helping grow the Law & Order branch to one of television's most loved series.
A statement released by Meloni reads:
"I think 12 years is enough, a good number... It will be a very difficult transition. I mean, Jesus Christ, every day when you get used to getting up early and working these hours.
"When you're an actor (not working) it's like, 'Has anyone called yet?'. And having to audition again, which I loathe."
Meloni will leave our screens in May 2012. It is not yet known where this will leave the series, or his on-screen partner Mariska Hargitay (who plays Detective Olivia Benson).
Photo: Bobby Bank / WireImage