According to Variety, Melina Kanakaredes will be leaving CBS' CSI: NY. The actress won't be a part of the show's upcoming seventh season.

Melina Kanakaredes starred on CSI: NY for all six seasons of the show. Her contract is up and the actress wanted to take a break and spend more time with her family.

"We hoped Melina would return to CSI: NY for another season, but we respect her decision to move on," CBS and CBS TV Studios stated in a joint statement. "Her amazing talent and invaluable contribution to the success of the series are greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten."

Also, costs could have also been a factor. CSI: NY is moving to Friday nights this fall, and there is pressure to trim the show's budget. However, those close to the situation say that the decision was indeed Kanakaredes' to leave.

CSI: NY is in preparations to resume production July 28. Kanakaredes will be replaced with another female lead. She played Detective Stella Bonasera opposite Gary Sinise.

"I made some amazing and lifelong friendships during my six seasons on CSI: NY," she said.