Emil Wakim is leaving Saturday Night Live .

The 27-year-old comedian, who was a featured player on the NBC sketch comedy series for one season, is leaving ahead of the premiere of Season 51.

He confirmed the news himself in a statement on social media on Wednesday (August 27).

“I won’t be returning to SNL next year. It was a gut punch of a call to get, but I’m so grateful for my time there,” he wrote.

“i was at six flags celebrating my friends 36th birthday and went on a really emotional walk through bugs bunny park and stared out across daffy duck lake thinking about life. every time i scanned into the building i would think how insane it is to get to work there. it was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life and i will miss it dearly and all

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