Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey Confirms Major Character’s Death

Warning: This article contains spoilers for the fifth episode of Game of Thrones Season 8, "The Bells."

The penultimate episode of the eighth season of Game of Thrones came as a shock to fans. Not only were fans shocked by Daenerys' (Emilia Clarke) decision to take down King's Landing despite the city's surrender, but they were also stunned by the death of Cersei (Lena Headey).

Still, some continue to hold on to the hope that the character might not actually be dead, saying that they won't believe Cersei's death until they see a body. Headey on the other hand, confirms the death of her character.

Taking to Instagram earlier today, Headey bid farewell to her role as Cersei Lannister, a role that she's taken on for nine years for Game of Thrones.

"There she goes," Headey said in her Instagram post. "It's been fun, and bonkers. I loved her. I am grateful for the opportunity. Massively thankful for your encouraging and supportive love along the way. And now her watch is ended."

Despite all the despise for Cersei, fans loved how Headey portrayed the character. Cersei wasn't just a cheap villain – she was a complex character with complex emotions. Many were disappointed by the character's death, hoping that showrunners D.B. Weiss and David Benioff would give Cersei a more profound end. Instead, Cersei dies as a result of the aftermath of Danny laying waste to Kings Landing. Together with Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Cersei dies under the weight of the rubble of the Red Keep.

What does Game of Thrones have in store for everyone as it approaches its finale? Let's wait and see.

Game of Thrones airs on Sunday at 9 PM ET on HBO.
Read: The Best Memes to Come Out of Game of Thrones 8 Episode 5