is gearing up for its sixth and final season, bringing an end to the acclaimed series inspired by Margaret Atwood's novel. The show initially stayed close to the 1985 book but later expanded the dystopian universe of Gilead, reports the .

As the series wraps up, fans are curious about the absence of key characters like Emily/Ofglen, portrayed by Alexis Bledel. Here's what happened to the character and why the actress chose to leave the show.

Alexis Bledel, known for her role in Gilmore Girls, explained her decision to leave The Handmaid's Tale: "After much thought, I felt I had to step away from The Handmaid's Tale at this time."

She expressed gratitude towards the show's creator Bruce Miller for his writing and thanked Hulu, MGM, and the entire team for their support. Showrunner Bruce Miller commented on her exit, saying, "[Alexis] made that decision completely on her own; it was a complicated time and she let me know."

Emily's storyline saw her escaping Gilead's tyranny and reaching Canada, where she faced challenges adjusting to life after enduring severe trauma under the regime's brutal rule.

Emily's unexpected departure from the show was addressed in season five, revealing she decided to head back to Gilead to confront the oppressive regime. June Osborne (played by ) grapples with guilt over Emily's risky decision, fearing that the return could signify the end of her journey.

The series' showrunner, Bruce Miller, spoke about Emily's choice to go back: "It didn't feel healthy, but it felt correct."

He also reminisced with The Hollywood Reporter in 2022, saying, "We had been planning and assuming that character would be there [for season five], so when we lost Alexis, who is such a dear part of our family, you feel the same way."

Miller further expressed: "A feeling of, this person has gone on to run away from home, what's going on?" He continued, "Emotionally, we tracked it for all of us. But I think story-wise, it made sense for her."

Miller explained that Emily's storyline concluded with an "inevitable ending" as she opted to "go hunting" instead of being ensnared in someone else's "trap". Moreover, he left the door open for actress Alexis Bledel to return, should she choose.

With the show approaching its final season, fans are left wondering if Emily will reappear one last time.

The Handmaid's Tale season 6 will be coming to Prime Video and Channel 4 on May 3 in the UK