Mariska Hargitay reacts to the departure of longtime ?Law & Order: SVU? costar Christopher Meloni

Mariska Hargitay, the� longtime TV partner of Christopher Meloni on NBC?s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has spoken out about the departure of actor who has played Det. Elliot Stabler since day one.

?For the past 12 years Chris has been my partner and friend, both on screen and off,? Hargitay said in a statement to TVLine. ?He inspired me every day with his integrity, his extraordinary talent and his commitment to the truth.

?I love him deeply and will miss him terribly,? the actress said, adding, ?I?m so excited to see what he?ll do next.?

Hargitay will return for the 13th season of the NBC hit but is expected to have a reduced role as the season goes on. No word yet on who will replace Meloni but a bug name is expected.

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