'Suits' star Partick J Adams to leave show following Meghan Markle's departure

On screen couple Markle and Adam, will not be returning for the latest season of the show

Suits is all set to return with a new season but without two of its most beloved characters, Mike Ross and Rachel Zane. The new season of the hit legal drama will star Gabriel Macht as Harvey Specter, Sarah Rafferty as Donna Paulsen, Rick Hoffman as Louis Litt and new series regular Dulé Hill as Alex Williams.

PHOTO: USA NETWORK

That’s right, USA Network has renewed the legal drama for an eighth season as the series prepares to say goodbye to Patrick J Adams and Meghan Markle at the end of its seventh season, the second half of which will premiere March 28, reported Variety.

Meghan Markle departs 'Suits' after engagement to Prince Harry

“After seven seasons, Suits remains one of USA Network’s most popular series,” said Chris McCumber, president of Cable Entertainment. “While we’re excited for season eight, everyone at USA will deeply miss Patrick and Meghan and are grateful for the talent and commitment they brought to Suits, season after season. We wish each of them nothing but the very best.”

PHOTO: FILE

The departure of boy wonder Mike Ross and shrewd paralegal Rachel Zane comes after Markle’s engagement to British Royal, Prince Harry and will most likely cause for a complete renovation of the series as the two characters were central to recent storylines. Markle became engaged to Harry in Novemeber and the two plan to marry in May.

Meghan Markle 'quits Suits' as she plans to wed Prince Harry

“I would like to thank Patrick and Meghan for their extraordinary contributions over the last seven years. Not only have they been outstanding in their roles as Mike and Rachel, they are also superb human beings who will always be beloved members of the Suits family, and we wish them well in their days to come,” said series creator Aaron Korsh said.

PHOTO: SHANE MAHOOD/ USA NETWORK

He continued, “Speaking of days to come, I am incredibly excited to welcome back our phenomenal crew and cast – Gabriel, Sarah, Rick and Dulé – who will continue the roller coaster ride with all of our amazing fans. Season 8 will have everything from shifting alliances and internal power plays, to secrets, betrayals and fiery relationships. Keep an eye out for an adversarial new character that will give Harvey a run for his money.”

Meghan Markle wants Prince Harry to meet her 'Suits' co-stars

Adams issued a statement Tuesday, saying, “It’s hard for me to imagine what words, in what order, would sufficiently express my love and gratitude to all of the people who have made the last seven years possible. From my unbelievably talented cast mates to our relentlessly committed crew, to the brilliant minds at USA, UCP and Hypnotic, to the legions of fans all over the world, every one of them dedicating so much of their time, energy and talent to make Suits what it is today – one of the most beloved and successful shows on television.”

PHOTO: SHANE MAHOOD/ USA NETWORK

He went on to say, “So I will choose the simplest words I have. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It has been an honour working with and for each and every one of you. Mike Ross has taught me a lot about commitment, hard work and the power of believing in yourself, and I feel blessed that now we both get to walk out into the lives that we never dreamed we would actually be lucky enough to live.”

“I’m excited to now step across the screen and become solely a fan of a show that I know has much more in store in the years to come. I wish everyone involved the best and am excited to see what kind of trouble they’ll get themselves in and out of from here on out,” he concluded.

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