Since hearing about lead actress Nina Dobrev's decision to leave The Vampire Diaries earlier this year, many fans have been devastated.

However, with the series' sixth season finale coming up, the actress is finally speaking on her exit from the show as well as the upcoming finale episode.

In an interview with SELF Magazine, the star talked about what her experience was like when shooting the last episode of The Vampire Diaries.

Dobrev said that the show helped her to change and grow so much, and that she would want it to be beautiful and end well.

Dobrev plays the role of Elena Gilbert on the show, and has been for the entirety of the show's six seasons.

She said that it was hard for her to say goodbye to the cast and crew of the show. "I've loved working on this show," said Dobrev. "It's been such a crazy, awesome adventure, and I've been surrounded by so many people who I consider family. I know this is a new exciting step in the right direction for me, but it's going to be strange not to be with them."

Julie Plec, the creator of the series, said that she had previously tried to convince Dobrev to remain on the show.

In interview on the KCRW podcast, Plec said "Nina had said earlier this year that she wanted to be done and we spent a little bit of time trying to talk her out of it."

Even after Dobrev leaves, The Vampire Diaries will continue to air its next season on The CW.