Christopher Meloni has left fans of TV cop drama Law & Order: SVU stunned after announcing he's quitting the show in 2011.

The star has been playing top cop Detective Elliot Stabler since the show started in 1999 and he has decided it's time to walk away.

He'll film one more season of the drama and quit in May, 2012.

In a statement, Meloni says, "I think 12 years is enough, a good number...It will be a very difficult transition. I mean, Jesus Christ, every day when you get used to getting up early and working these hours. When you're an actor (not working) it's like, 'Has anyone called yet?'. And having to audition again, which I loathe."

Image © PR Photos