The Walking Dead star Lauren Cohan to leave during season 9

She'll appear in just six episodes of the ninth season

Another star of the long-running TV show The Walking Dead is set to exit the series during its upcoming season.

Following the news that lead star Andrew Lincoln was to quit after a brief appearance in the ninth season, it's now been confirmed that Lauren Cohan - who plays Maggie Rhee - will also be leaving.

Rumours surrounding Cohan's departure have been circulating ever since it was revealed she was at the centre of a pay dispute in which she sought an enhanced salary closer to that both Lincoln and co-star Norman Reedus whose character Daryl will be succeeding Rick Grimes as the show's main character - a promotion that will see him become one of the most highest-paid stars on television.

According to reports, Cohan's decision to leave came after she scored a lead role in new ABC comedy Whiskey Cavalier which got picked up for a full season ahead of its premiere later this year. The Hollywood Reporter states that contract renegotiations fell through "closing the door" on a full-time return for her character.

Maggie will appear in just six episodes of The Walking Dead's ninth season although it's unclear at what stage her character will be written out.

Earlier this year, Lincoln told The Independent that he “would be surprised” if Cohan's character “wasn’t leading from the front as she always has done next season.”

The Walking Dead returns to TV screens later this year.

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