Earlier this month, fans of "NCIS" were shocked when it was announced that Michael Weatherly, who plays "Very Special" Agent Tony DiNozzo, will be leaving the series after 13 seasons. Weatherly first played the part in "JAG" before reprising the role in the spin-off series, "NCIS." The actor, along with series stars Mark Harmon, David McCallum and Pauley Perrette, is one of the show's original cast members.
After Weatherly's exit was confirmed, many fans immediately speculated that the CBS show might be bringing in a former cast member to send him off— Cote de Pablo, who played Tony's NCIS teammate and love interest Agent Ziva until 2014. Fans have always hoped for Ziva's return, as the playful banter and chemistry between DiNozzo and Ziva had always been a hit with viewers.
On Tuesday, Jan. 12, CBS president Glenn Geller took the stage at the Winter Television Critics Association 2016 tour and addressed how Weatherly's character will exit "NCIS" and whether de Pablo will return to the show for his last episode.
"They are working on how Michael's character is going to be written out," Geller told reporters at the TCAs (via E! Online). "Gary [Glasberg] and the producers are working on that right now."
But when asked if there are plans about Ziva's return, Geller replied, "not currently."
The news is sure to be a letdown for "Tiva" fans, including Weatherly's mother. On Jan. 6, the actor took to Twitter and revealed that his mom was a big fan of Ziva and Tony as he wrote, "Mom sent @nytimes #ncis article- she liked the picture. Then asked if I was going to leave with Ziva. Oh Mom."
The 47-year-old took to the micro blogging site on Jan. 5 to announce that he was leaving the series.
"DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons," Weatherly wrote, adding that he will miss the cast and crew, who have been like family to him. "THANK YOU, it's been a fantastic ride!"
