Bad News For 'Shameless' Fans After Its Ninth Season

Fans of the Showtime primetime cable show 'Shameless,' adapted from the UK TV series of the same name, will have to say goodbye to a fan favorite after the show's anticipated 9th season comes to a close.

Actress Emmy Rossum, who has played Fiona Gallagher since the show's debut in 2011, announced that she will be stepping away from the cast of Shameless at the end of its ninth season.

"The opportunity to play Fiona has been a gift," said Rossum, in a Facebook post announcing her departure from the show.

"We have made over 100 hours of television. That's no small feat. There's a new study that says it takes 100 hours to become friends with someone. The Gallaghers have been in people's living rooms for 100 hours. So, it makes sense. We can feel your connection to us, to these characters. In the airport, in restaurants, on the street, when people call out "Hi Fiona" "Oh my god, it's Lip" or "Screw you Frank!"... it feels good."

It's clear fans are already mourning Rossum's departure:

But the showrunner, John Wells, has promised a "Gallagher-worthy sendoff for Fiona that honors the great work Emmy has done."

Fans are unsure what to think of that:

But Rossum is doing her best to reassure fans that the show will go on:

"I know you will continue on without me, for now. There is much more Gallagher story to be told. I will always be rooting for my family. Try not to think of me as gone, just think of me as moving down the block."

Rossum's final appearance in the show will be the season 9 finale, which the cast and crew are currently working on. It is unknown whether or not 'Shameless' will return for season 10; the show was picked up for season 9 in November of last year.

"With love, always." We will miss you, Emmy.

H/T: CNN, Buzzfeed