She made her name as Catherine Willows in the hit TV show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. But fans of the show will be shocked to hear that Marg Helgenberger may be leaving the series after the season ends this May.

The 51-year-old actress has starred on the show as a regular since it first aired in 2000, and is currently making $375,000 an episode. And 10 years later, it looks like she is ready to move on. The actress was out in Santa Monica last Thursday, keeping it low-key in a casual tracksuit, sunglasses and a hat. Marg says that while it’s “kind of remarkable” that she’s lasted so long on the show, she can’t imagine staying past this year. “I only actually negotiated for this season. All I’m really thinking about right now is just finishing up this season,” she recently told Entertainment Weekly.

“So no, I don’t… not much longer. Not much longer.”

She also doesn’t think that CSI’s former leading man William Petersen will ever come back for an extended stay. “If I were to put money on it, no. He would never come back on any kind of full-time way. He might come back to do an episode or two towards the end of the entire run, but no. He was ready to go.” And Marg let it slip that pin-up beauty Dita Von Teese will be starring in an upcoming episode. ‘I’m assuming she’s playing a burlesque character,” said Marg.

Despite the fact that she might be leaving soon, the blonde actress is hugely enjoying the current season of the show and her storylines in particular. She says: “I’m getting the opportunity to play different colours this season because I have a boyfriend on the show, played by Alex Carter. He’s been great. I’ve enjoyed it because it hasn’t been like all cerebral stuff. It’s been passionate. It’s been vulnerable. It’s been emotional.

“It’s been taking me to places that I don’t get to go on the show. That’s kept it fresh. And I enjoy working with him.”

— Daily Mail