NCIS fans expressed shocked when Cota de Pablo announced she was leaving the top-rated drama after starring in it since the third season.

The actress plays Ziva David, and has been a longtime fan favorite. What puzzled many NCIS fans was that the actress never divulged her reasons for saying goodbye to the show. In a recently aired interview by TV Guide, Cota stood firm with her decision, saying she wasn't going to tell anyone the reason for her departure.

Instead, she leaves it as being "personal". She also adds that "the idea of leaving was not something I toyed around with for a long time. It was an overwhelmingly hard thing - at times terrifying," The actress also expressed gratitude for the support that she has gotten in the light of her decision to go. She says that many trusted what she did, without necessarily even personally knowing her. Cota has also been vocal about the unconditional love she has received throughout the whole process, calling it the most beautiful thing that she has gotten.

Fans should not expect Cota to be back for Season 11. However, the actress did admit that there were some things that she needed to do, such as put some closure on Ziva's storyline. A farewell episode is in the works, and will be aired on October 1.

When asked about the on-screen love story of Ziva and Tony, Cota is quick to reassure fans that a resolution to that is also coming, so there is no need to worry.

Of course, one of the questions the actress was asked was if she would ever return to the show. She did say that the idea was possible, and that despite what has happened, she continues to be a big fan.

The new NCIS season premiers next Tuesday at 8/7 central on CBS.