Shortly after the season ended, Emily Bett Rickards talked about her decision and said that her plans didn't involve a return to Arrow, as she intended to take a break from television to do work in the theater [via Collider]. ... Even so, it's easy to see why it was important for Arrow to get her back for the last episode.

Why did Emily Bennett leave Arrow?

The actress made the announcement Saturday on social media. Rickards, who plays Felicity Smoak, said in a statement on Instagram that it's time to say goodbye to the character after seven seasons. It is believed that her contract was up and she opted to move on.

Why is Emily Bett Rickards not in season 8?

The most likely reason for Rickards' departure is that she simply wanted to focus on other projects, though it's hard to underestimate the importance of Felicity to her own upwards career trajectory. The character was Rickards' first-ever TV role, and one that proved to be a breakout casting for her.