Eads was temporarily fired from the show in 2004 after he failed to show up to set at the beginning of Season 5 as part of a reported salary dispute. Sources say Eads' exit is unrelated to the episode order and neither has any impact on the possibility for future seasons.
's last remaining original stars, will be taking a leave of absence from the CBS drama, has confirmed.
Eads, 46, signed on to return to the procedural as a regular along with the rest of the cast when CBS renewed the show in March.
Eads and co-star Jorja Fox were both briefly fired from the show in 2004 after they tried to hold out for more money from the network and studio.
But after the subsequent fourth season was met with a lukewarm reception from critics and fans, Harmon made a triumphant return and was restored to his role of showrunner for the sitcom's current fifth run.
as BAU agents JJ and Emily Prentiss, were both dropped from the CBS procedural in 2010, prompting - you guessed it - fan outrage.
Look back at the cast through the years Eads had no official statement about his departure.
Eads, who took an extended leave of absence last season after a behind-the-scenes dustup, is the last remaining original cast member on the show.
But five years later, she returned to the show, playing a regular role again from 2001 to 2005 and making one final guest appearance before the series wrapped for good in 2009.
George Eads, who has played the role of CSI Nick Stokes since the series' pilot, will exit the show at the conclusion of the current season, has learned exclusively.
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