Claire Holt on 'Originals' Exit: 'I Made a Life Choice, Not A Career Choice'

Claire Holt steps out for The Originals panel during the 2014 PaleyFest held at The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday evening (March 22).

The 25-year-old actress was joined by her former co-stars Danielle Campbell, Leah Pipes and Phoebe Tonkin.

“It’s ludicrous,” Claire recently shared about the made up reports of why she exited the show. “I want to be very clear that they didn’t run out of material, I wasn’t pushed out, I wasn’t fed up with Rebekah, I didn’t quit mid-season, there was no drama, there was no rift between cast members; it really came down to the fact that I completed my initial commitment and made a life choice, not a career choice.”

Claire continued, “This show has been so amazing for my career, and I’ve had such unbelievable material, it was just never my intention to be away from home this long. It was a tough choice that I didn’t fully make it right up until the end, because I was enjoying myself so much. But three seasons later, I realized I hadn’t been home to Australia in years, I hadn’t seen my family, and I hadn’t spent time with the people I loved…but I want to make it so clear that this show has such a special place in my heart. I am so glad I was able to do The Originals, and I want to be a part of that family for a long time. I am simply looking at this as a temporary absence.”

15+ pics inside…

FYI: Phoebe wore a Camilla and Marc dress, Saint Laurent heels and JewelMint jewels. Leah wore Alice and Olivia pants, a Mason top, Helmut Lang jacket and Saint Laurent shoes. Danielle wore a Sachin + Babi shirt, Zara skirt and Alice and Olivia shoes.