There's no easy way to say this, so let's just rip the Band-Aid: Tyler Hoechlin will not be a series regular in the upcoming season of "Teen Wolf."

As BuzzFeed reported earlier today, the actor is stepping out of his role as Derek Hale in order to pursue other opportunities.

"Teen Wolf" creator Jeff Davis spoke with MTV about Tyler's decision to leave the show:

"A couple months ago, Tyler Hoechlin came to me to discuss his experience shooting an indie baseball movie, and about how exciting and scary it was for him. I asked if he was ready to move on from 'Teen Wolf.' He said he felt like he was at a point in his career where he wanted to try new things, things that scare him, but wasn't quite ready to let go of the family he created on 'Teen Wolf.' So I talked to the network about it, and creatively we decided that it was a good time to refocus Season 5 on the teens of 'Teen Wolf.'"

Don't panic though, because Davis also told us that there's a chance Derek will return in the future:

Only a few weeks ago, Tyler came by the stages to discuss possible storylines for Derek. While Tyler may no longer be a series regular, don't count Derek Hale out just yet. It's never easy to lose a series regular on the show, but it always comes from a place of respecting an artist -- because all artists need to try new things. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing the new characters that Tyler Hoechlin creates, and can't wait to have him back on our set as well."

Thanks for Sterek the memories, Tyler. Hope to see you soon.