Sarah Michelle Gellar announced her departure from Buffy in a glossy cover story for popular American magazine Entertainment Weekly.

"Buffy, in this incarnation, is over," she told the mag. "I hope it is the right time. This is so weird. You always worry about being the show that's been on too long - especially when you're a cult hit.

"Last year, a lot of people were ready to tear us down. [So when] we started to have such a strong year this year, I thought, 'This is how I want to go out - on top, at our best.'

"I was 18 when I started the show; I'm 26. I'm married. I never see my husband. This has been the longest span of my life in one place. There've been times where that's been difficult - you want to pick up and go, try other things, live in different places. It feels right [to go now], and you have to listen to that."

Sarah does leave a glimmer of hope for fans who cannot bear the thought of a world without Buffy: "I know they are planning a spinoff, and I would love to come back [for some episodes] - assuming, of course, that they don't kill [Buffy]. The moment I say all this, I'm going to get the last script and go, 'Oh, my God!' Look, this is so scary.'"

Sarah admits that it's been a difficult decision. "I love this job, I love the fans. I love telling the stories we tell. This isn't about leaving for a career in movies or in theatre - it's more of a personal decision. I need a rest. Teachers get sabbaticals. Actors don't."