Ian Somerhalder To Leave ‘The Vampire Diaries’ After Season 7? Or Will His Ex, Nina Dobrev, Return For Season 8?

After Season 6 of The Vampire Diaries, Nina Dobrev decided to leave the show to pursue other interests. While many speculated that her break-up with her costar, Ian Somerhalder, had something to do with her departure, both actors insisted that was not the case. Now, rumors are swirling that Somerhalder would like to follow his ex out the door and make Season 7 his last.

Normally, having major characters leave the show spells doomsday for the entire series. However, in The Vampire Diaries’ case, the writers successfully (somewhat) ended Elena Gilbert’s (Dobrev) role by putting her to sleep instead of just killing her like the route that so many other shows take when dealing with the farewell of a character.

It should be noted that the show’s ratings have steadily declined since Nina’s departure and the showrunner, Julie Pec, stated that given the chance to resurrect the character, would do so in the blink of an eye. She stated this to Variety, “On an emotional level, it’s sad because she’s Nina and she was Elena, and we all love her and loved that character, but on a creative level, it’s been refreshing in ways that I cannot even explain.”

Julie continued to say that while it was difficult to say goodbye to Elena, the good think was that the show was able to better develop the relationship between the twins, Damon Salvatore (Somerhalder) and Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley).

“To be able to sit and not have to break a story from the point of view of, how does this advance the love triangle this week? It just feels good to be able to tell the story about two brothers who are more bonded and, as such, at odds more than ever before, and you’re writing this terrific relationship piece now about these two guys, and it’s just been so fun to write this year,” she explained. “The writers, we’re just enjoying the hell out of it.”

And yet, according to Yibada, Ian Somerhalder is reportedly having trouble on set with his co-stars, specifically Paul Wesley, Candace King (Caroline Forbes), and Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett). All three actors are reportedly in favor of Nina returning to the show while Somerhalder is not excited about the idea of seeing his real-life ex-girlfriend at work every day.

It’s also rumored that Somerhalder may want to leave the show due to personal issues. Somerhalder and his wife, Nikki Reed, are reportedly having problems within their very young marriage. Youth Health reports that Ian has made up his mind to quit The Vampire Diaries in order to settle down and start a family. Nikki however, is reportedly not okay with Ian’s plan and isn’t ready to children given her busy schedule on Sleepy Hollow.

Nevertheless, if Somerhalder decides to leave the show, the show itself will be looking towards a major shift since the show revolves around the story of the Salvatore brothers. In case The Vampire Diaries does lose another major character, it is rumored producers are ready with a time hop scenario for Season 8.

As for the remainder of this season, Matt’s (Zach Roerig) future still remains shrouded in mystery that even executive producer Plec wouldn’t give away any spoilers about. Additionally, Leslie Ann Huff will join the show, playing Rayna—a vampire huntress who makes her way back to the living world after being attacked by her enemies, and is said to be a huge factor in the Salvatore’s lives. Furthermore, a crossover between the Vampire Diaries and The Originals expanding two episodes is on the horizon.

Tell us! Do you think that if Ian Somerhalder left The Vampire Diaries that the show could survive for a Season 8? Let us know in the comments below and check out the teaser for the next all-new episode below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dmJB13OzMs

[Image via The CW]