In a surprising twist, Ego Nwodim, a cherished cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL) for seven seasons, has announced her departure from the iconic show. The revelation came just before the show's 51st season, as reported by Deadline.

Nwodim took to Instagram to confirm her exit, stating, “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories and that laughter with me always. Now invite me to your weddings please!”

Since joining SNL in 2018 as a featured player, Nwodim quickly rose to prominence, becoming a main cast member in Season 46. Her comedic flair shone through in recurring sketches like “Lisa from Temecula” and her sharp performances on “Weekend Update.”

Although expected to return, Nwodim decided to leave to explore new creative endeavors. Earlier this year, she hinted at her desire to create something uniquely hers, wanting to showcase more of her talents beyond SNL.

Nwodim’s farewell follows the recent departures of other cast members Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim. Meanwhile, SNL has welcomed five new featured players for the upcoming season.

The departure announcement has sparked a wave of appreciation from fans and colleagues who praised Nwodim for her versatility and warmth as one of the show’s most consistent and inventive performers. SNL is set to return for its 51st season on October 4th.