Fans of hit TV show Criminal Minds have launched an online campaign to have cast member A.J. Cook reinstated after network bosses decided not to renew her contract for another season.

The actress has reportedly been axed from the crime drama after five years, with a source telling TVGuide.com she has been dropped for "creative reasons".

However, devotees are not happy about her exit and more than 12,000 fans have signed a petition calling for executives at CBS to reverse the decision. Cook has now thanked fans for their devotion with a post on her Twitter.com page, writing, "Your kind words and support have made me feel wanted and loved!"

Cook's cast mate Paget Brewster has also addressed the controversy. In a post on her Twitter.com blog, she writes, "'Creative reasons' has been an executive bulls**t excuse for DECADES. It IS financial. AJ is a dreamboat. And yes, I am hurt, too."

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