The seventh season of "The Vampire Diaries" premieres in a few months, and although fans are anticipating the next chapter in the lives of the Mystic Falls residents, many are thinking that somehow, things won't be the same now that actress Nina Dobrev won't be returning to the show. Fans were heartbroken when she announced her decision to exit the series last April, and at last Sunday's Teen Choice Awards, she thanked her fans in an emotional speech as she said goodbye to The CW show and to Elena Gilbert, a character she played since season 1.  

Dobrev took the stage at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday, Aug. 16, to accept the award for choice TV actress in a sci-fi or fantasy and started her speech wearing plastic fangs as she attempted to speak. After a few seconds, she took them out and said, "That's right! I don't need these anymore." 

Dobrev said that the last few months have been a huge change for her.

"Change. It's a scary word, or I used to think that, because it meant new beginnings," she said. "New beginnings with a future that was unknown. But change is necessary — necessary for you to grow up and learn and to better yourself, because everything in life comes to an end." 

The actress also thanked show creators Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson, saying that "they changed my life with this role." She added that she started the show as a young girl just like Elena, and that together they grew up on "TVD." 

"As this part of my life comes to an end, I look back and smile," she continued. "Change is coming, so hold on and enjoy the ride." 

As Elena was placed in an enchanted sleep in the season 6 finale of "The Vampire Diaries," fans are still hoping that she would somehow return, although the actress has said that she always thought that Elena's journey would end after six seasons. Last week, The CW president Mark Pedowitz told Variety at the Television Critics Association press tour that Dobrev is welcome to come back to the show anytime she chooses to do so. 

"We would have loved Nina to stay," said Pedowitz. "She did a great job the six years she was on. As you know, her character is sound asleep at the moment." 

Season 7 of "The Vampire Diaries" premieres on Oct. 8 on The CW.