Call the Midwife's Leonie Elliott confirms her character's fate

Note: The following article contains references to topics including depression, suicidal thoughts, racial abuse and baby loss.

Call the Midwife spoilers also follow.

Call the Midwife star Leonie Elliott's departure as Lucille Anderson is permanent – as confirmed by the actress herself over on Twitter.

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During season 11 of the BBC drama, Lucille sadly experienced a miscarriage. As season 12 has aired, viewers have seen her struggling with depression, homesickness and suicidal thoughts, against the backdrop of an increase in racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Lucille took action to prioritise her own mental health, signing off from work, before devoted husband Cyril surprised her with an open ticket back home to Jamaica so that she could reconnect with the family members that she was missing so much.

Call the Midwife fans would've been hoping that Lucille's trip to see her family wasn't long-term, but Elliot's statement has confirmed that she won't be returning to the series.

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"Over and out, precious! Xxx," the star wrote next to a picture of a personalised clapperboard and written statement.

"Thank you all for embracing Lucille and rocking with me on this journey, it is with a heart full of love and appreciation that I embark on pastures new," it began.

"Having spent 6 years on a truly wonderful show, with a fantastic team I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with Lucille. I feel honoured to have represented the pioneering Windrush generation and their incredible impact on British society.

nurse lucille anderson in call the midwife

Speculation that Elliott may not be returning to Call the Midwife rose when Lucille's absence was addressed in the show. Following his visit to Jamaica, Cyril confirmed to Violet that Lucille was doing "fine", taking well to her new job, and that it was "doing her good to be with her family".

"I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to the brilliant cast and our uber-talented creative team: Heidi Thomas, Pippa Harris and Annie Tricklebank," Elliott's statement continued.

"Thank you again for all your support, it is hugely appreciated. Super excited for what's coming next!"

Call the Midwife airs on Sunday nights on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.