'Sleepy Hollow' season 3: why Captain Frank Irving will not return

Orlando Jones as Frank Irving in Sleepy Hollowfacebook.com/SleepyHollow

The reason why Captain Irving had to leave his post as the chief of Sleepy Hollow's Sheriff department during the previous season of "Sleepy Hollow" is now revealed.

Actor Orlando Jones finally revealed the reason why his character will no longer return for "Sleepy Hollow" season 3 through a video that he released Saturday, saying: "Chances are, I won't be back, because they kinda asked me to leave."

This is the first time that Jones talked about his unexpected departure from FOX's police procedural horror drama series. According to series showrunner Clifford Campbell, schedule conflict made it difficult for them to work with the actor.

But Jones cited a different reason why he will no longer appear in the series.

"What led to me leaving was, they changed the show," Jones explained in the video. "When we started on Sleepy Hollow, there was a headless horseman, and he had a shotgun. You know how awesome that was?"

Since the headless horseman and the demon Moloch already exited the series at the end of season 2, Jones said that Captain Irving will have no one to beat in the upcoming season.

But while the actor claimed that his character's chance to return to the show is really slim, he said that he is open to do guest appearances as needed.

The fate of "Sleepy Hollow" remains unknown after speculations about cancellation began to emerge because of the show's low rating last season. According to reports, FOX decided to move the show's schedule to the Friday time slot. This could mean that the show may be axed soon.

Aside from Captain Irving, fans of the series are also worried about the fate of Nicole Beharie's character Abbie Mills. Her life was put in danger after being fatally hurt toward the end of season 2.

FOX has yet to confirm the official release date and react to Jones's statements about "Sleepy Hollow" season 3.