Tracy Spiridakos bids emotional farewell to Chicago PD costar Jesse Lee Soffer

This fall, Chicago PD will undergo one of its biggest casting shakeups yet as NBC’s long-running procedural prepares to bid farewell to original cast member Jesse Lee Soffer.

The news took fans by surprise as there had been no indication Soffer would be departing the series, but alas Soffer is set to hang up his gun and badge after ten seasons playing Detective Jay Halstead. While we don’t yet know how Soffer will be leaving the series or when exactly his final episode will air, we know the show won’t quite be the same without him.

Not only has Halstead been an integral part of the show’s cast from Day 1, but he’s also half of the show’s most beloved couples: Upstead.

The couple has been through hell and back, but no matter what life has thrown their way they’ve always found a way to make it through stronger on the other side. It’s impossible to think of the show without the pair, but that will soon become a reality and fans aren’t the only ones heartbroken over that reality.

Tracy Spiridakos reacts to Jesse Lee Soffer’s departure from Chicago PD

Now that the cat is out of the bag, Jesse Lee Soffer’s on-screen wife and frequent scene partner Tracy Spiridakos has become the first member of the cast to react to Soffer’s departure in an emotional goodbye shared on Instagram.

"I guess the word is out…Jesse, what can I say, you’re the absolute best. Thank you for your kindness, your guidance and your friendship. You’re the greatest onscreen husband a girl could ask for. I’ll miss being on set with you every day. I can’t wait to see what the world has in store for you next."

Watch One Chicago on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

The emotional goodbye was attached to a sweet behind-the-scenes photo of Soffer and Spiridakos on set and was accompanied by the hashtag Upstead Forever. Let’s just hope that sentiment pours over into the writing of Soffer’s exit and that the writers might find a way to allow the couple’s on-screen relationship to live on in some way.

For the latest Chicago PD season 10 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.