Farewell, Kate Beckett! Nathan Fillion and 'Castle' cast react to Stana Katic's exit

Stana Katic, who plays NYPD detective Kate Beckett on ABC's popular crime drama Castle, is leaving the show. Her fellow cast members have expressed both surprise and sadness at her exit.

A day after ABC made the announcement, Nathan Fillion, who plays the title character Richard Castle, has broken his silence over Katic's exit.

pic.twitter.com/Nx8bkgpmgE

— Nathan Fillion (@NathanFillion) April 19, 2016

Deadline had reported that Katic had signed a one-year deal for season eight and had not been approached by ABC to renew her contract. Deadline also said that ABC's decision to cutt Katic and co-star Tamala Jones from the show had been for "budgetary reasons". 

Katic said in a statement, “Rather than distract from what was an amazing experience I would just like to say that I'm very grateful to ABC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a much beloved show. Thank you to the fans.”

Katic's absence from the show is a huge  blow to Castle fans. Along with Castle, Kate Beckett was the lead character on the show, which derived its central arc from the relationship between the two characters.

It looks like most of the cast didn't even know Katic wouldn't be back on the show. Show creator Andrew Marlowe said he was "heartbroken" over the news.

Heartbroken. There are no words. #nmc

— Andrew W. Marlowe (@AndrewWMarlowe) April 18, 2016

Jon Huertas, who plays Javier Esposito on the show, said he was sad that he found about Katic's exit online.

To say I’m sad about @Stana_Katic & @tamalajones not coming back even if #Castle returns would be a gross understatement. #blownaway #morose

— Jon Huertas (@Jon_Huertas) April 18, 2016

If there’s a S9 of #Castle, I hope that r fans can see it fit 2 support this unknown incarnation of the show.

— Jon Huertas (@Jon_Huertas) April 18, 2016

And if I’m a part of the cast, I’ll work hard 2 continue 2 keep the integrity of our show intact… #ConsiderThis #400JOBS

— Jon Huertas (@Jon_Huertas) April 18, 2016

And I am gonna miss @Stana_Katic & @tamalajones who are more than coworkers to me but dear friends. #Heartbroken

— Jon Huertas (@Jon_Huertas) April 18, 2016

Who knows what ABC has in store at this point. @seamusdever & I haven’t been asked back yet either… Uh oh. #NothingIsAsitSeemsAnymore

— Jon Huertas (@Jon_Huertas) April 18, 2016

What else is sad???!!!! That I have to find this out online!!! This is my family! Why couldn’t someone have told me #InADifferentWay ?!

— Jon Huertas (@Jon_Huertas) April 18, 2016

This is what Seamus Dever, who plays Kevin Ryan on the show, had to say-

Oh man. @Stana_Katic has been a good partner and a good friend for the last eight years. Thank you, Stana.

— Seamus Dever (@seamusdever) April 18, 2016

And @tamalajones is such a good actor. We haven't seen 1/10th of what she can do. Can't wait to see what role she does next.

— Seamus Dever (@seamusdever) April 18, 2016

Susan Sullivan, who plays Castle’s mother Martha Rodgers, also expressed surprise over the news.

Surprised and saddened to hear @Stana_Katic @tamalajones are moving to other artistic pursuits change allows growth! pic.twitter.com/kbOtHXm7SB

— Susan Sullivan (@realssullivan) April 18, 2016