Fox’s series House, starring Hugh Laurie, is renewed for an eighth season. The surprising part? Lisa Edelstein, who portrays Dr. Cuddy; House’s boss, ex-girlfriend and essentially an antagonist (though our “hero” House is more like the antagonist) will not return for the new season.

“After much consideration, I am moving onward with a combination of disappointment at leaving behind a character I have loved playing for seven years and excitement of the new opportunities in acting and producing that lie ahead.”

— Lisa Edelstein

The dynamic on the show will change dramatically with her absence. Edelstein’s Cuddy was a huge part in the series and made a lot of good and bad influences on House that drove the story. Although, this will open up new opportunities for the story arc for House.

(Deadline)