Cecily bid an emotional farewell during Saturday’s show (Picture: AP)
Cecily Strong has officially waved goodbye to Saturday Night Live after 11 seasons.
Ahead of the latest instalment of the Christmas special — which was hosted by Elvis’ Austin Butler — the official Instagram account for the series announced that the 38-year-old comedian will feature for the final time.
Alongside a photo that read ‘we’ll miss you, Cecily,’ they wrote: ‘Tonight we send off one of the best to ever do it. We’ll miss you, Cecily!’
Devoted SNL fans and fellow celebrities wished Cecily well, with actress Keke Palmer writing: ‘NOT MY GIRLLLLLLLLL.’
Kenan Thompson – who has been on the show for 20 seasons – added a string of crying emojis.
Appearing as her quirky character Cathy Anne in the weekend segment, she announced she was set to leave the long-running comedy series.
Cecily has been part of the series for a decade (Picture: LLC)
‘I’m a little emo tonight, because I’m here to say goodbye,’ she said
When anchor Michael Che asked her why, Cecily as Cathy Anne quipped: ‘Turns out, prison.
‘You had enough of me, everybody has to go to jail at some point, and it’s just my time now, but I feel really lucky that I got to spend so many of the best moments of my life with these people that I love so much,’ she added.
Cecily first joined SNL back in September 2012 during season 38. The following year, she began hosting the Weekend Update segment alongside talk show host Seth Meyers and later, Colin Jost, before Michael took over at the start of season 40.
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She was promoted to repertory player during season 39 in September 2013, along with Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon.
Cecily’s return for season 48 made her the longest-tenured female cast member in the show’s history, a spot which was previously held by Kate McKinnon.
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‘I feel really lucky that I got to spend so many of the best moments of my life with these people that I love so much.’
