In a shocking turn that has left fans of The Bold and the Beautiful reeling, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood has officially announced that she will be departing the iconic soap in 2026, bringing to an end one of the most unforgettable eras in the show’s history. The actress, who has portrayed the fierce, passionate, and endlessly complicated Steffy Forrester for more than fifteen years, revealed the news in an emotional statement that both celebrated her journey and hinted at what’s next. Wood’s portrayal of Steffy has been a cornerstone of The Bold and the Beautiful since she first stepped into the role in 2008, transforming the character from a rebellious young woman into one of the most powerful figures in Los Angeles fashion and romance. Over the years, Steffy has survived heartbreak, loss, addiction, betrayal, and more love triangles than most characters could endure in a lifetime — and through it all, Wood’s performance has earned her critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal fan base. Her departure, while not entirely unexpected given her expanding career and growing family, still comes as a gut punch to longtime viewers who have come to see Steffy as the emotional backbone of the series. In her statement, released via social media and confirmed by CBS, Wood expressed deep gratitude to her castmates, crew, and fans, saying, “Steffy Forrester has been a part of my soul for half of my life, and saying goodbye to her is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. This show gave me my start, my confidence, and a family that will always hold a piece of my heart.” She went on to describe her decision as bittersweet, explaining that while she feels it’s time to explore new creative horizons, she’ll always consider The Bold and the Beautiful her home. Insiders close to the production have revealed that Wood informed executive producer Bradley Bell of her decision months ago, giving the writing team ample time to craft a fitting farewell for Steffy — one that honors her legacy and leaves the door open for a possible return in the future. According to early hints from the show’s producers, Steffy’s final storyline will be “monumental,” filled with emotion, closure, and a few classic soap-style twists. Speculation has already begun among fans: will Steffy finally find lasting happiness with Finn, or will tragedy strike once more before she walks away from Los Angeles for good? Some believe her exit could involve a dramatic relocation, perhaps to Europe to expand Forrester Creations internationally, while others think she might take the reins from her father Ridge entirely, ending her run in triumph. Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that her departure will leave a massive void in the show’s dynamic. Co-stars like Thorsten Kaye (Ridge Forrester), Scott Clifton (Liam Spencer), and Tanner Novlan (Finn Finnegan) have already taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes. Clifton, who has played opposite Wood in one of the most iconic soap love triangles of all time, wrote, “I don’t know what The Bold and the Beautiful will be without Steffy, and honestly, I don’t want to imagine it. Working with Jacqui has been the highlight of my career — she’s a powerhouse, a partner, and a friend.” Fans have flooded comment sections with an outpouring of love, gratitude, and disbelief. Many credit Wood with redefining what it means to be a modern soap heroine — unapologetically ambitious, emotionally complex, and refreshingly human. Her ability to balance strength and vulnerability has made Steffy a role model to viewers around the world, particularly as she’s tackled storylines involving postpartum depression, loss, and the pressure of being a powerful woman in a ruthless industry. Behind the scenes, Wood’s influence has gone far beyond the camera. Known for her professionalism, humor, and warmth, she’s often described as the “heartbeat” of the set, someone who made newcomers feel welcome and pushed her colleagues to give their best. One crew member reportedly said, “She leads by example — she’s always prepared, always kind, and always ready to throw herself completely into the scene. Losing her isn’t just losing Steffy, it’s losing the spirit of the show.” Wood’s decision to leave comes amid a period of change for daytime television, as streaming platforms and shorter production schedules shift the landscape. While she hasn’t revealed her next project, sources close to her suggest she’s exploring opportunities in primetime television and film, as well as producing her own material. Given her versatility — she’s a singer, actress, entrepreneur, and mother of four — it’s clear she’s ready for the next chapter. Still, many fans are holding onto hope that her departure won’t be permanent. In soap operas, after all, goodbyes are rarely forever, and Wood herself hinted as much during an emotional behind-the-scenes interview. “You never really leave The Bold and the Beautiful,” she said with a smile. “It’s a family, and families always find their way back to each other.” Bradley Bell echoed that sentiment in his official statement, calling her “one of the most talented and beloved performers in the history of the show” and assuring viewers that Steffy’s exit will be handled “with the respect and grandeur it deserves.” He added, “Jacqueline has given us years of extraordinary performances. She is irreplaceable, but we are endlessly proud of everything she’s achieved and excited for what’s ahead.” As 2026 approaches, anticipation for Steffy’s final episodes is already building. Will she get her long-awaited happily ever after, or will fate — in true soap fashion — have other plans? Whatever happens, Jacqueline MacInnes Wood’s departure marks the end of an era not just for The Bold and the Beautiful, but for daytime television as a whole. Her legacy as Steffy Forrester — bold, beautiful, and unforgettable — will live on in the hearts of fans who have grown up with her, cheered for her, cried with her, and watched her evolve from a rebellious daughter to the queen of Forrester Creations. When she takes her final bow, it won’t just be Steffy saying goodbye — it’ll be a generation of viewers bidding farewell to one of the most iconic characters in soap history.