Kate McKinnon has explained the real reason behind her departure from SNL.

After joining the cast in 2012, SNL fans immersed themselves in the actor’s versatile comedic talent.

During her time on the show, she delivered smart, witty and legendary characters, including Barbra DeDrew, Madame Vivelda, and Olya Povlatsky.

Most importantly, McKinnon made LGBTQ+ history as the first out lesbian to join the show as a full-time cast member.

On 21 May, however, the beloved actor ended her tenure on SNL during the show’s 47th season finale – which featured her portraying the iconic Miss Rafferty character one last time.

After a few months of silence, McKinnon finally opened up about her exit during her recent appearance on Live With Kelly and Ryan.

“I thought about [leaving] for a very long time, and it was very, very hard. All I ever wanted to do in my whole life was be on Saturday Night Live,” she said.

“So, I did, I loved it, I had the best decade, and then I was just like, ‘My body was tired’ and I felt like it was time.”

Towards the end of her interview, the Rough Night star revealed if she would be tuning into the show next season.

“I don’t know what I will do. I don’t know that I can watch the show yet because it’s too emo, because I miss everyone so much,” she explained. “It’s my family. It’s too emo. So I think I’m just going to take The Bachelorette and watch it.”

Even though McKinnon’s exit has been bittersweet for longtime fans, moviegoers can expect to see the Bombshell actor in an array of upcoming projects.

The Bubble actor is set to star as Lulu, the hairless guinea pig, in the film DC League of Super-Pets, which will be released on 29 July.

McKinnon is also expected to star in the highly anticipated Barbie film alongside Margot Robbie, Hari Nef, Issa Rae, Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu.

It’s safe to say that the Emmy-winning actor has remained booked and busy.

Watch Kate McKinnon’s full interview here or below.