“Anything for the first time, the unknown, the fear, those are all emotions that are so exciting, ultimately,” Dobrev told THR. “I love that feeling, and I really want to feel that again. That’s why I’m excited about this next chapter: I have no idea what’s going to happen, and that means anything can happen. That’s what’s most exciting to me — the prospect of anything.”
The Vampire Diaries is poised to head into a new phase as leading lady Nina Dobrev (Elena) exits the series this week following a six-season run.

For Dobrev, Thursday’s season finale is bittersweet. “The fairy tale has to end, and the next chapter has to begin,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I knew this was my time, and I’m excited for the next step.”

Dobrev spoke with THR about her first — and last — days on The CW vampire drama, fan reaction to her departure, the excitement of starting something new and saying goodbye to her TVD family.

With your final episode just a few days away, has it hit you yet that your time on Vampire Diaries is nearly over?

It wouldn’t have hit me if it didn’t come out the way that it had. It leaked a little earlier than we anticipated, which forced us to make a statement prematurely. But it was a blessing in disguise, in retrospect. It didn’t hit me; I got to say goodbye with my family and with the fans. People made videos of — what was in their opinion — the best moments of the last six years. It helped me relive the last six years, and be nostalgic, grateful and look back at those moments and celebrate this experience as it ends, instead of mourn it after I left. I got to say goodbye to my family, and spend my last moments with them, and look back and remember how awesome it has been.
What was the day your exit leaked like for you?

I’ve known [I was leaving] for such a long time — for a couple of years — so it’s been a big secret I’ve been having to keep for a while. But once people finally knew, people were really upset and outspoken. But ultimately, supportive, which I was very appreciative of. It was strange, one of the days after it was announced, I had people come up to me in the street, crying, like, “What are you doing?” and angry. And then I told them and they were like, “You go, girl. Do your thing. We support you. We can’t wait to see what you’re doing next.” It’s 50-50 [support]. Continue Reading at THR