Chicago P.D. star Marina Squerciati recently shared a heartfelt behind-the-scenes image of Tracy Spiridakos, who is set to depart from the series later in season 11. Spiridakos has been portraying Detective Hailey Upton since season 4, eventually becoming a series regular in season 5. However, it has been confirmed that she will be leaving the show later this year, marking the end of her significant tenure on the police procedural.
In the touching image posted by Squerciati, who plays Officer Kim Burgess, Spiridakos is seen embracing her fellow cast member, LaRoyce Hawkins, known for his role as Officer Kevin Atwater. This poignant moment underscores the impact of Spiridakos' impending departure on the show.
During the conclusion of Chicago P.D. season 10, a key storyline revolved around the unresolved marriage between Upton and Senior Detective Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), who exited the show early in season 10. Season 11 unveiled that the couple was getting a divorce, introducing a new narrative arc for Upton as she navigates her personal and professional life without her husband.
As of now, the specifics of Upton's departure remain uncertain, leaving fans to speculate on how her character will exit the 21st District's police force. Given the significance of her divorce storyline, it is plausible that her departure will be intertwined with this narrative, possibly leading her to seek a fresh start elsewhere or encountering unforeseen tragic circumstances.
However, considering Upton's integral role in the series and her longstanding presence, it is more probable that her exit will be marked by a cordial farewell. While her absence may alter the dynamic of a potential Chicago P.D. season 12, her character's legacy is expected to endure. Should her departure be a positive one, there may be opportunities for her to make guest appearances in the future.
New episodes of Chicago P.D. air on Wednesdays on NBC. A spinoff of Chicago Fire, the show follows the detectives and uniformed patrol officers of the Chicago Police Department as they tackle cases and apprehend criminals.
