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Chicago Med fans shocked as major star returns and another exits

The season eight finale premiered on NBC on Wednesday night

Chicago Med season 8 cast waving at a wedding
Megan Bull
TV Writer
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Chicago Med fans were treated to an epic finale on Wednesday night. Drawing the eighth season to a close, viewers waved goodbye to one of the show's original cast members, Nick Gehlfuss – aka Dr Will Halstead. And they also enjoyed a reunion with Torrey DeVitto, who made an unexpected return as Dr Natalie Manning. 

Will and Natalie hug after reuniting in Seattle© Instagram
Will and Natalie got back together after reuniting in Seattle

After sabotaging Jack Dayton's OR 2.0 system in the episode, Will decided to hand in his resignation at the hospital and fly to Seattle. In a heartwarming moment, the character was then reunited with his ex-fiancee Natalie and her son Owen at the airport.

Will also reunited with Natalie's son Owen© Instagram
Will was also reunited with Natalie's son Owen

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"I'm never going to let you go," Natalie told him after he asked how long he should stay. And with that, they lived happily ever after!

Naturally, fans of the show were shocked by Natalie's on-screen return, which had been kept top secret. One Chicago posted photos from the moment on Instagram, and fans had plenty to say. "They were always endgame," one replied, followed by a crying emoji. 

Natalie and Owen waiting for Nick at the airport© Instagram
After waiting for Nick at the airport, Natalie told him she'd never let him go again

"Ahhh my heart!!!! Yassss they were always meant to be," added another. Meanwhile, a third commented: "Wow!!! Incredible finale!" 

Torrey – who appeared on Chicago Med from 2015 to 2021 – spoke about her return to The Hollywood Reporter, revealing that she wasn't expecting a call from the show's creators. 

WATCH: Chicago Med season 8 finale – trailer

"When they did call me and told me what the premise of the storyline was going to be, and that I would be coming back to support Nick and his journey on his way out, it was just a no-brainer for me," she said. 

Will kisses Natalie on the cheek as she types on a computer in Chicago Med© Getty
Natalie's return was kept top secret

"I do feel like the fans never got what they wanted with Natalie and Will, and to be honest with you, Nick and I never even got the ending that we felt we deserved for our two characters. To be able to come back and give that to not just the viewers that love the show so much and really rooted for these characters, but also to give it to me and Nick, who really wanted this ending for our characters was really so beautiful. He's like a brother to me, so to be able to come back and support him in this way was just so much fun."

Torrey DeVitto and Nick Gehlfuss attend the 2018 press day for "Chicago Fire", "Chicago PD", and "Chicago Med" on September 10, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.  © Getty
Nick explained that he'd taken his character Will as far as he could

Nick Gehlfuss has also spoken about the romantic conclusion, as well as his reasons for leaving the show. "Well, it was a difficult decision, but I felt, maybe like a few months ago, that I was getting to the point of taking Dr Halstead as far as I could go with him," he told TV Line

While his time on the show has come to an end, Nick couldn't be happier with Will's ending, which ​​he agrees "makes so much sense." 

Will and Natalie embrace in Chicago Med© Getty
Torrey and Nick both agreed that Will and Natalie deserved a happy ending together

Speaking to Deadline, he explained: "I think that the relationship has come full circle but of course, it wasn't the only reason Will decided to leave Med. I think Will had been seeking elements of Natalie in every relationship; I don't think he ever really got over her. It was really so great to see Torrey, too. She called me to let me know she was coming."

Torrey DeVitto and Nick Gehlfuss pose for a photo at a Chicago Med event© Getty
The former co-stars fell back into their "work rhythm" immediately

Nick added: "We fell right back into our work rhythm as if we hadn't had any time off. It was a beautiful moment at the end of the episode that I hope brings some closure to the fans." 

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