UPDATED 9/3, 10:15 a.m. ET: Leslie Jones took to Twitter to confirm that she will be leaving SNL. In a series of tweets, she thanked NBC, the producers, writers, crew, cast, and fans for "making SNL my second home these last five years."
Read her tweets below.
See the original story below.Â
Saturday Night Live is shaking up its lineup for season 45.
Leslie Jones has opted not to return to the NBC staple after spending five seasons on the show, according to Deadline. This news means that Jones will end her time on SNL before her contract expires as a standard cast deal is for seven seasons. Actors' options are picked up every year and comedians can request to leave the show whenever they see fit.
Jones started working for SNL as a writer before becoming a full cast member in 2014. During her time, she became a standout character and has gone on to star in films like Ghostbusters and Sing. Jones is expected to explore other film roles as well as work on her upcoming Netflix comedy special.Â
Jones' Ghostbusters co-star and SNL cast member, Kate McKinnon, will be back for season 45, but it's unclear how long McKinnon will stay on the show. Per Variety, she's set to appear in "at least part" of the next season; the question marks surrounding her role is due to her jam-packed schedule, which includes starring in an upcoming Hulz drama.
