CONFIRMED: Andrew Lincoln Is Officially Bailing On "The Walking Dead"

Andrew Lincoln has addressed "the elephant in the room", confirming rumours that he'll be bowing out of The Walking Dead.

The 44-year-old, who has helmed the zombie apocalypse as former Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes for close to a decade, made the announcement at San Diego Comic Con over the weekend.

"There seems to be an elephant in the room and I think many of you want to ask a question whether or not it is my last year," Lincoln said.

"This will be my last season playing the part of Rick Grimes.

"I love this show, it means everything to me. I love the people who make this show.

"I'm also particularly fond of the people who watch the show.

"It has been the most extraordinary, beautiful experience of my career, largely because of you guys."

Rumours that Lincoln had "had enough" of the long-running series began swirling earlier this year, with a source saying that he was leaving to focus on movies.

But the actor insisted that he was ready for a break and to spend time with his family, telling fans: "It's been so much a part of my life, I breathed it for 10 years."

It's believed that co-star Norman Reedus has signed a multi-million dollar contract to stick around and will become The Walking Dead's new leading man.