American actress Alexis Bledel, who essayed the role of a defiant handmaid Emily Malek on four seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale, is leaving the Hulu drama ahead of its fifth season. In a statement, the actress said: “After much thought, I felt I had to step away from The Handmaid's Tale at this time. I am forever grateful to Bruce Miller for writing such truthful and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast and crew for their support.”