Helgenberger Talks ‘CSI’ Exit & Grissom’s Possible Return

Marg Helgenberger says she’ll return to CSI: Crime Scene Investigation for the start of season 12, but fans will still have to say goodbye to Catherine Willows. (Potential spoilers after the jump!)

CSI Files previously reported that Helgenberger is planning to leave the crime drama at some point in the near future, and the actress told the French magazine Télé Star that those plans are still moving forward. “Yes, I’ll be in season 12, but Catherine will leave the team early on,” the actress explained. “Then I will make eight more appearances on the show. I don’t want to leave the show that has been so supportive to me for so many years just like that. Leaving it for good right now would be abrupt.”

Despite Helgenberger’s plans, no details have been finalized. “No, I haven’t gotten a contract yet,” she said. “I’ll know for sure in late May. But I know I’ll be back at the beginning of the new season to say goodbye to the team.”

Helgenberger previously mentioned that William Petersen might reprise his role as Gil Grissom when she leaves the series, and she remains confident that he will return when the time comes. “I don’t want a teary goodbye,” she explained. “I want it to be dramatic and mysterious. All I can tell you is that William Petersen promised to return so Grissom will be there for Catherine when she leaves. He’ll be there in the first episodes.”

The original interview is from the April 16-22 issue of Télé Star, and the whole thing was translated by Angela from Melinda Clarke Online—you can read the English version on Margamania. Thanks to EricaSJ from TalkCSI for the link.