Marg Helgenberger: Catherine Willows Leaves ‘CSI,’ Elisabeth Shue Joins Cast

Update: Marg Helgenberger: A Look at Catherine Willows' Last 'CSI' Episode [VIDEO]

Marg Helgenberger, who plays the character Catherine Willows on the hit TV show CSI, is the latest original cast member to leave the crime show.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the CSI team on Wednesday said their final goodbye to Helgenberger who has been on the show since it began in 2000.

The series creator Anthony E. Zuiker and Executive Producer Carol Mendelsohn were on the Universal City, Calif., set for Helgenberger's goodbye. She wrapped her 263rd episode, which will air on Jan. 25, EW reported.

I've been thinking a lot about this moment for a very long time, Helgenberger said. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the time of my life.

Helgenberger will be taking home the vest and badge that Willows wore, EW reported.

AolTV has reported that Oscar nominee Elisabeth Shue will join the CSI cast as a replacement for Helgenberger. Her first episode will air on Feb. 15, AolTV reported.

That report also noted that Shue will play the role of a new investigator who joins the team amid rumors that D.B. Russell, played by Ted Danson, fired her when she worked for him in Seattle.

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