While rumors continue to circulate that popular series will be returning for a sixth season, one thing is now certain, Michael Scofield will not be back, with actor Wentworth Miller recently taking to social media to explain why he has decided to call time on the character. The actor shared a message in response to backlash that he has received online and took the opportunity to declare that he would not be back for a sixth season should it ever materialise, as well as explaining his reasons why.

"On a related note... I'm out. Of PB. Officially. Not bec of static on social media (although that has centered the issue).

I just don't want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told). So. No more Michael. If you were a fan of the show, hoping for additional seasons... I understand this is disappointing. I'm sorry. If you're hot and bothered bec you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one...That's your work. - W.M."

Prior to confirming the end of Michael Scofield, provided more detail on why he decided to make the post in response to the negative messages he had been receiving online.

"This is my favorite IG account," someone wrote in response to a recent post.

Thank you. I want you to know I saw that. I see the positive comments and DMs (a lot of them anyway). Affectionate. Supportive. Appreciated (by me). Obviously there are comments and DMs I appreciate less. Who are these people? On my page? What backwards-ass, Stone Age values country did they crawl out of? The U.S.? I won't be disappearing (too many cool things to repost). The ability to comment likely will. I'm not concerned for myself. I can't be "bullied" in this space. I have too much power. "Delete. Block. Deactivate." Etc. But I take seriously the possibility of queer kids visiting here, recently out of the closet or exploring the idea.

.. I don't want them exposed to bullshit."

While Miller's announcement is sure to disappoint fans of the show (as well as leaving them perplexed as to how exactly a show titled can continue without the character that excels at prison breaking) the reasons behind his departure are clearly very important to him and should be respected.

This is not the first time that Miller has ruled himself out of a potential sixth season, with the actor previously saying, ""Some of you are here for teases about PB S6. I suggest you head over to @disney @foxtv and @dominicpurcell. If anyone can move the needle, it's them.

I've got nothing to do with it."

The rumors of further adventures with the gang were given fuel by star of the show , who took to social media to somewhat cryptically reveal that a sixth season is in the works. "Rumor number 1. I'm old," he began. "Yes. I'm 50.....Rumor number 2. I'm bald. No I have a full head of hair; the people demand I shave it. Rumor number 3, Will season pb 6 happen. Yes.....Rumor number 4. Do I like humans? No. Not on mass. Definitely not."

Created by Paul Scheuring for Fox, revolves around two brothers, Lincoln Burrows and Michael Scofield, played by Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller respectively.

Burrows is sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, leaving his genius sibling Scofield to devise an elaborate plan to help his brother escape prison and clear his name.

The show remains one of the most popular long-running series ever made, and no doubt a sixth season would be welcomed. But can it really work without Michael Scofield? This comes to us courtesy of .