The Walking Dead: Norman Reedus responds to Andrew Lincoln exit with Instagram post

Rick Grimes will leave the series during season 9

The Walking Dead community has been rocked by the news that Andrew Lincoln — who plays the central character Rick Grimes — will depart the show during its ninth season alongside fellow cast member Lauren Cohan.

While the fanbase has argued over whether the move marks a positive or negative for the long-running series, Daryl actor Norman Reedus has marked the news with an Instagram post.

The photo, accompanied by a heart emoji, sees the two actors dressed as their characters hugging each other. See the post below.

With Lincoln leaving the show, reports indicate that Reedus will become the series’ new leading actor, AMC having allegedly offered him $20 million for season nine.

Should Reedus' deal be accepted, he'll become one of the highest-paid stars on TV matching the salary of Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo and surpassing the amount earned per episode by Game of Thrones stars including Emilia Clarke and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.

While the nature of Lincoln’s departure remains unknown, publications have indicated Rick Grimes will not be killed off, but rather “walk away” from the battle. Lauren Cohan, who plays Maggie on the show, is also reportedly leaving the series over the course of season nine.