The king is dead. Long live the king.  Though the internet was ablaze with "none in the head, not dead" comments after last night's explosive Love/Hate season finale, it seems as though King Nidge truly is no more. Earlier today cast member Laurence Kinlan confirmed that no decision has yet been made on a new season, but even if Stuart Carolan's creation does return for another run it seems Tom Vaughan Lawlor will not be among the cast. The actor who brought crime boss Nidge to life has said in a statement today that he is looking forward to new challenges. He also thanked the cast and crew of the show for an "unforgettable journey". "The last five years working on Love/Hate have been an incredible and unforgettable journey for me,” Vaughan Lawlor said in a statement. “I’ve had the privilege of working with a brilliant cast who I’ve learnt a huge amount from, a tireless and talented crew, a visionary director, an amazing group of producers from Octagon and RTE, and in Stuart Carolan a world class writer.” “I’m hugely grateful to the show and to its fans and I am equally looking forward to the new challenges ahead for me both on screen and stage,” he said. “As I perform this week in Dublin in Howie the Rookie prior to touring it to London and New York I will take wonderful memories of Love/Hate with me together with all the things I’ve learnt on the show into my future work." Over one million people tuned in last night to see Nidge meet his grisly end.