Here's some bad news for CSI fans. According to TV guide, original cast member and fan favourite George Eads will not be returning for the forensic drama's two hour series finale which airs on September 17.

Eads, one of the series' longest tenured actors, played the role of forensic investigator Nick Stokes from the pilot episode in 2000 up until his exit at the end of the show's 15^th season earlier this year.

Eads' representatives had no word on why the actor opted to sit out of the show's farewell episode. Show runner Anothony E. Zuiker was hopeful he would return, going as far as writing Nick Stokes into the script before Eads had even said yes. According to reports, the screenplay will not have to undergo any major revisions as Nick's involvement in the finale's plot was limited.

Eads' fellow CSI alum Elisabeth Shue will also be absent from the finale. She joined the series during its 12^th season. Entertainment Weekly speculates that Shue's absence may not be by choice. Some spoilers follow:

At the end of the 15^th season Shue's character, investigator Julie Findlay, is attacked by a serial killer. The assault left Findlay in a coma and some believe that her death is the catalyst for reuniting the show's original cast members.

 William Petersen (Gil Grissom) and Marg Helgenberger (Catherine Willows), Ted Danson (D.B. Russell), Jorja Fox (Sara Sidle), Jon Wellner (Henry Andrews), David Berman (David Phillips), Paul Guilfoyle (Jim Brass), Wallace Langham (David Hodges), Elisabeth Harnois (Morgan Brody), Robert David Hall (Dr. Al Robbins), Eric Szmanda (Greg Sanders), and Melinda Clarke (Lady Heather) are all slated to make appearances in the finale.

CSI, is the latest member of the long running procedural franchise to get the axe following the cancellations of CSI:Miami and CSI: New York. Fans can still get their fix when CSI: Cyber returns later this year.