Cote De Pablo’s 'NCIS' Character Ziva To Be Replaced By ‘Socially Awkward’ Bishop

Cote de Pablo’s decision to leave NCIS has been met with due surprise, and curiosity about how the CBS show would fill the big shoes she’d be leaving behind. Casting calls have recently been put out for the role of a new leading lady on the hit procedural drama.

The character that will take the place of Ziva is a twentysomething named Bishop. The casting breakdown describes Bishop as "bright, educated, athletic, attractive, fresh-faced, focused and somewhat socially awkward,” according to TVLine. “She has a mysterious mixture of analytic brilliance, fierce determination and idealism. She's traveled extensively, but only feels comfortable at home."

De Pablo announced her departure from NCIS over a month ago, and said in a statement, “I look forward to finishing Ziva’s story.” The actress will appear in the first two episodes of the show’s 11th season, which CBS promised would provide “appropriate closure in this chapter of Ziva’s story.

Though her costars were stunned to learn of de Pablo’s decision to move on from the show, they hold no hard feelings. Michael Weatherly, whose character on NCIS has long had a flirtatious relationship with Ziva, assured fans of the show that Tiva’s storyline will wrap up in a satisfying manner for all. "Even if you hate Tiva, even if you love the Tiva, if you're ambivalent, it's like a big Christmas stocking on Christmas morning!" he said during the TCA Press Tour.

De Pablo, who will be Latina’s September issue cover girl, told the magazine that making the choice to leave NCIS was a difficult process. “It was not an easy decision, not one taken lightly. I feel like I am leaving my family,” she said, adding, “What I want to say most of all is thank you to the fans and to the people who have been so supportive of me and of the show, who have made the show the great success that it is."

– Chelsea Regan

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For More Cote de Pablo News:

Cote De Pablo’s 'NCIS' Exit A Surprise To Costars

Cote De Pablo Was Determined To Leave ‘NCIS’

Cote de Pablo Announces Departure From NCIS Next Season

_{'NCIS' Cliffhanger: Will Ziva David Return?}