Why Is Freema Agyeman Leaving 'New Amsterdam'?

Freema Agyeman has announced she will not be returning for season 5 of New Amsterdam.

The actor shared a statement on Wednesday to confirm that she would no longer be portraying Dr. Helen Sharpe in the show, a role she originated in the first season and has played ever since.

Why is Freema Agyeman leaving New Amsterdam?

Agyeman issued a statement to TVLine on Wednesday to confirm her decision not to reprise her role as Helen in the NBC show's upcoming fifth season.

In it, she said: "Dearest Dam Fam. First off I would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you for your unending, dedicated and deliciously ferocious support!"

"I feel very fortunate to have connected with so many of you over these past few years, while rolling around in the skin of Ms. Helen Sharpe, and witness every ebb and flow of your emotional investment. What a ride! Thank you for being on it with me.

"She has meant so much to me, but the time has come for me to hang up her white coat, as I officially share the news that I will not be returning for the final season of New Amsterdam."

Sharing her gratitude with viewers, the Doctor Who actor continued: "While I am saddened, I am also incredibly excited to see how the story concludes as a fan of the series.

"It has been such a joy to play Dr. Helen Sharpe for 4 seasons — those writers built a badass! Beyond grateful for the opportunity to tell some of her stories! Fanfic — it's over to you to tell the rest!! Lots of love Fam!"

Agyeman is the one who chose to leave the show, according to TVLine.

Her character, Helen, ended things with Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) on a sad note as she left her former fiancé at the altar in the season 4 finale.

The couple were to exchange vows in New York City, and Helen had already moved to London for her job. Helen was scheduled to fly to New York City when a hurricane hit the Big Apple. For a moment, Max was unable to contact Helen regarding the status of her flight.

But luckily, it was revealed that Helen was safe. When Max stood waiting at the altar, she called him from London to say that she "can't" get married to him. He informed the guests that the wedding was off.

This, it seems, was a storyline designed to explain why Helen would not return to New York City, and how she wouldn't remain a part of the series in its final season.

New Amsterdam showrunner David Schulner and executive producer Peter Horton also shared a statement regarding Agyeman's departure from the show, saying: "We wish Freema the best of luck on her next chapter and the doors of New Amsterdam will always be open if she wishes to return!

"We are extremely proud of the impact Freema and Dr. Helen Sharpe have made over these past four seasons and are so grateful to have been a part of that story. As we head into the fifth and final season, we want our #Sharpwin fans to know we still have a few surprises in store for them."

Agyeman is slated to appear in the Sky Original show Dreamland, which she will start filming soon and act alongside singer Lily Allen. The comedy series is expected to be released in 2023.