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In an Instagram story posted Friday morning, <\/span>Ego Nwodim<\/span><\/a>, who has been a heavily used player on \u201cSNL\u201d for the past seven years, announced she was leaving the long-running sketch show. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThe hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,\u201d Nwodim wrote. \u201cBut after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n She continued, \u201cWeek after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cNow invite me to your weddings please!!!\u201d she concluded.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Nwodim\u2019s announcement follows the departure of four other cast members who will not be returning for Season 51.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n These cast members include <\/span>Heidi Gardner<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Michael Longfellow<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Emil Wakim<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Devon Walker<\/span><\/a>. Although Longfellow, Wakim and Walker were relatively new additions to the show, and did not receive a ton of screen time, Gardner and Nwodim have been fixtures on the variety show for nearly a decade.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n 20 Years Of<\/span>Free<\/span>Journalism<\/span><\/p>\n Your Support<\/span>Fuels<\/span>Our Mission<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Your Support<\/span>Fuels<\/span>Our Mission<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n