Jayma Mays says it wasn't her choice to leave Glee.

The redheaded beauty announced her departure from the long-running musical comedy earlier this year, but has now admitted the show's creators decided to write out her beloved character Emma Pillsbury: "It wasn't my choice. The creators decided to do it. We knew it was coming last year. Some other characters will also be leaving this season. It's very sad to be going, but I understand why they do it. It's about getting new blood into the show. I really enjoyed playing Emma. I don't know how I'm written out yet. I'm so curious."

Jayma recently appeared in Glee's emotional tribute to late leading actor Cory Monteith - who died from an overdose of heroin and alcohol in July - and she recalls the emotional atmosphere on set while making the episode. "It's been really hard. We just filmed his memorial episode and it was a very difficult thing to do. Just being there, you felt the absence of a friend and co-worker. It's been a very sad and difficult year for everyone," she explained.