Ulrike Kriener to leave as Kommissarin Lucas

Long-serving actor has played the role since 2003

Ulrike Kriener is to leave her role as Kommissarin Lucas after 20 years. The popular actor has played the character since 2003, but will now step down.

Kriener has starred in 28 episodes of the German crime drama, and has become one of the most recognisable faces on German television. Her decision to leave the role has come as a surprise to many fans.

"It was a very difficult decision," Kriener said in a statement. "I have loved playing Lucas for the past 20 years, but I feel it is time for a change. I want to try something new, and I am excited to see what the future holds."

No replacement has been announced

The ZDF network, which produces Kommissarin Lucas, has not yet announced who will replace Kriener in the role. The network has said that it will begin searching for a new actor immediately.

In the meantime, the network has said that it will continue to produce episodes of Kommissarin Lucas with Kriener in the lead role. The actor will continue to shoot episodes until the end of 2023, and the network will then air the episodes in 2024.

Kriener's future plans

Kriener has not yet announced what her future plans are. The actor has said that she is open to new opportunities, and that she is excited to see what the future holds.

Kriener is a highly accomplished actor, and has won numerous awards for her work. She has also starred in many other television shows and films, including Tatort and Der letzte Zeuge.