Ego Nwodim leaves ‘Saturday Night Live’

NEW YORK — Ego Nwodim is the latest — and perhaps last — high-profile departure from “Saturday Night Live,” as the long-running sketch show has seen a cast shake-up ahead of its 51st season.

Nwodim announced Friday on Instagram that she would not be returning — and suggested she’d have more time now to attend weddings. Nwodim joined as a feature player in 2018, and was promoted two years later.

“The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,” Nwodim said in her post. “But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL.”

She thanked Michaels for the opportunity, and her castmates, writers and crew “for their brilliance, support and friendship.”

“Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always,” Nwodim wrote, adding: “now invite me to your weddings please!!!”

Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and Michael Longfellow confirmed last month on their social media accounts that they are leaving the show. Multiple news outlets reported that cast mainstay Heidi Gardner was also departing the show, but neither Gardner nor NBC has publicly confirmed.

Five new cast members are joining the upcoming season, which premieres Oct. 4. Ben Marshall, already an “SNL” writer, will become a featured player, along with newcomers Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska, NBC announced last week.

“SNL” creator Lorne Michaels previously said he anticipated changes following the show’s historic 50th season. Michaels said at least one cast member was certain to be back: James Austin Johnson, who plays President Donald Trump.