NCIS fans have been left shocked after a huge plot twist saw a major character killed off in episode 13 of season 23, which aired on Tuesday.

Marking its 500th episode, the hit police procedural delivered a dramatic instalment and, while the show is known for its twists and turns, many viewers were left reeling when Director Leon Vance (played by Rocky Carroll) was shot by a seemingly rogue agent.

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Rocky joined the series 18 years ago in season five (which aired in 2008) and became a regular in season six.

In the latest episode, the NCIS team faced the threat of being shut down by the Department of Defense. As Leon fought to save his team, he tragically met his end after nearly two decades on the show.

WATCH: NCIS celebrates its 500th episode

What did fans say about the NCIS twist?

Fans were quick to take to social media to share their reactions to the twist. “I did NOT expect to cry tonight but here we are! I didn’t expect that plot twist at all! Rest in peace director Vance, you will be missed,” wrote one viewer, while a second said: “This show definitely won’t be the same as he was a legacy character.”

Meanwhile, a third penned: “Wow, I did NOT see that #NCIS plot twist coming. I am unwell and miss Vance already!”

A fourth added: “I’m a fan of the NCIS universe. Tonight’s 500th NCIS episode shocked me – Director Vance, played by Rocky Carroll for 18 years, was killed off. I’m sad. Vance was a solid character. I hope Timothy McGee becomes the next director.”

What has the cast said about the twist?

While the moment shocked viewers, Rocky addressed the decision in an interview with TV Insider.

“It was basically presented to me that the studio and the network wanted to do something really spectacular, really big, and something that would really send shockwaves through the NCIS fan base and the community,” said the actor.

The show’s executive producer, Steven D. Binder, was behind the twist and, when he pitched the idea, Rocky admitted he realised it was “actually a terrific story.”

Gary Cole as NCIS Special Agent Alden Parker, Wilmer Valderrama as NCIS Special Agent Nicholas "Nick" Torres, Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance, and Rebecca De Mornay as Carla Marino on NCIS

© Getty
Gary Cole as NCIS Special Agent Alden Parker, Wilmer Valderrama as NCIS Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres, Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance and Rebecca De Mornay as Carla Marino

While Vance’s death will be felt by long-time fans, the actor said he is proud of the episode and believes there is plenty to celebrate.

“I would have loved to have been one of the characters who was there for the very last episode, when they board up the windows, and when they officially do say, ‘All right, it’s time for everybody to turn off the lights and go home.’ You’d like to be one of the last men standing,” he continued. “But after 18 seasons, I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Although Rocky will no longer appear on screen, he remains a regular director on the drama and has already returned to set to work on another episode in season 23, according to Variety