Tessa Noël was written off Highlander because the actress who portrayed her, Alexandra Vandernoot, decided to depart from the series. Her decision stemmed from a desire to allocate more time to her family and explore other professional projects.
Reasons for Alexandra Vandernoot's Departure
Alexandra Vandernoot appeared as a series regular throughout all of Season 1 and the initial four episodes of Season 2. Her exit from the show was a personal choice, driven by several key factors:
- Family Time: Vandernoot wished to have more time available for her family. The demands of a television series production often involve extensive hours and travel, which can be challenging for personal life.
- Pursuit of Other Projects: Beyond her family, the actress was interested in pursuing different professional opportunities and creative ventures outside the scope of Highlander.
- Demanding Production Schedule: A significant factor in her decision was the rigorous nature of the show's production. She did not wish to continue working with Highlander's heavy production schedule and its associated obligations, which were likely intensive and time-consuming.
Tessa Noël's Role and Exit
Tessa Noël was a pivotal character in the early seasons of Highlander: The Series, serving as Duncan MacLeod's long-time mortal companion. Her presence provided a grounded, human perspective amidst the immortal world. Her departure in the early episodes of Season 2 marked a significant turning point for the show and its protagonist, leaving Duncan MacLeod to navigate his immortal life without her direct presence.
