THE WALKING DEAD season 10 will mark the end of an era for actress Danai Gurira and her character Michonne. Now she’s revealed just how hard saying goodbye was.

The Walking Dead: Michonne actor Danai Gurira opens up (Image: AMC/Getty)

The Walking Dead returns to AMC and Fox in October which means the likes of Alpha (played by Samantha Morton) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) will go head-to-head once again. However, the return of the series is a bittersweet for fans as it will be the last time Gurira will appear as the machete-wielding character. After confirming her exit at Comic-Con earlier this year, the actress has since spoken publicly about her departure.

Gurira has been a mainstay in the TWD cast from the moment she first set foot in the universe in season three.

In the seven years since Michonne has developed into a character close to many viewers’ hearts.

This meant rumours of her exit in early 2019 had The Walking Dead fans praying it wasn’t true.

However, she confirmed the news in July at San Diego Comic-Con.

The Walking Dead: Danai Gurira at the season 10 premiere (Image: Getty)

Gurira’s decision was by no means an easy one, however, as she told Entertainment Tonight: “We love each other. I’m part of a family.

“It never ends. I’ll never leave this family. That’s how I hold it in my heart.”

Despite her unwavering love for the show, the actress decided it was time to explore other ventures.

About breaking the news at Comic-Con, she said to ET: “It’s really what I shared at Comic-Con with the fans, which was really the key place to share it with all those amazing fans who devote themselves to coming and spend time with us every year,

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The Walking Dead: Danai Gurira as Michonne (Image: AMC)

“(It’s) where I really felt the first embrace from what the TWD family meant was there, seven, eight years ago.

“So, it was very difficult to tell that to the audience and I struggled through it because it wasn’t an easy decision to make,

“But it was time for me to start exploring other aspects of what I do as a storyteller.”

The Walking Dead: Michonne’s zombie-slaying days will come to an end (Image: AMc)

In the years since joining The Walking Dead, Gurira has gone on to achieve global success elsewhere.

The 41-year-old played a major role in Marvel box office smash, Black Panther.

The movie received critical acclaim worldwide, racking up three Oscars.

Gurira is also rumoured to star in the upcoming and highly-anticipated Godzilla vs Kong film.

Her role in the thriller is yet to be confirmed, however, as is when and how exactly Michonne will leave The Walking Dead.

Fans will have to tune in to season 10 when it returns to say farewell to the character.

The Walking Dead season 10 returns to AMC on October 6 and on Fox UK on October 7.