Tracy Spiridakos confirms Chicago PD return: ‘Annnnd we’re back!’

It’s happening! After months of delays, Chicago PD is officially up and running again. It’s an exciting time to be a One Chicago fan, as all three titles in the franchise are beginning to shoot their latest seasons. PD‘s set is especially meaningful, though, because it will mark the last time that Tracy Spiridakos will be part of the cast.

The actress is confirmed to be leaving the show at some point during season 10, which means her time on the set is limited in comparison to her co-stars. That hasn’t kept her from having a great time and posting photos on her Instagram, though!

Spiridakos posted a photo with Marina Squerciati while filming a scene, and the caption made it very clear that she was thrilled to be coming back to work one last time. “Annnnd we’re back!!,” the caption read. She also had fun with the fan’s tendencies to combine character names by trying to combine Upton and the name of Squerciati’s character, Burgess, into one: #Bupton? #Upgess?”

Despite the news of her exit being weeks old, Spiridakos has yet to address it publicly. If one were to base her plans on her social media alone, one would have no idea that she was gearing up to leave the show for good. That being said, the widely held belief is that her character’s arc will follow that of Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) in season 10.

Halstead, who is, of course, Upton’s husband, appeared in the season 10 premiere and then left a few episodes into season. This is the smartest way to handle the Upton exit, because if the writers decide to keep her around for most of season 11, the fans will be less engaged with the story and more invested in when (and why) Upton will leave. It’s best to deal with something like a character exit early.

The last time Spiridakos talked about her character was shortly after Halstead’s departure. She noted that the character is going through lots of changes, and told Variety that she will never be the same person she was before her husband left.

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

“We’re still in the change. She finds out that he’s extended his stay and has that breakdown moment of having this hope and then all of a sudden, that’s gone,” she explained. “It’s the first time we see her break down since he’s left, since their goodbye. I think there’s gonna be some changes for her over the next little while.”

We’re curious to see how this change manifests in season 11, especially as it leads to Upton’s eventual departure.

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