Chicago P.D. Star Tracy Spiridakos Gets 'Emotional' as She Says Farewell to Hailey Upton: 'Thank You' (Exclusive)

This story contains spoilers from the Season 11 finale Chicago police

It’s always hard to say goodbye to a beloved TV character, especially after spending more than seven years with them in your living room. Actors are often even more emotional.

When PEOPLE caught up with Tracy Spiridakos just days before her final episode Chicago police when Detective Hailey Upton took to the air, her emotions were on the surface.

“It’s absolutely bittersweet,” said the 36-year-old actress, who joined the show in Season 4 in 2017. “I definitely feel all those feelings.”

But so was Hailey in her final moments. After rescuing Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) from the serial killer they’ve been hunting all season — and getting shot in the process — the two have a candid conversation about their father-daughter relationship and Hailey’s future.

Hailey has struggled emotionally over the past few seasons, first with decisions she made at work, then with the breakdown of her marriage to Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) following his departure from the Intelligence Unit (and Soffer’s departure from the series). She slowly began to see that she had not come to terms with the trauma of the past and that it was preparing her for more trauma in the present. In order to move forward, she realized, she must move on.

‘Chicago Police’: Jesse Lee Soffer’s final episode sees Jay Halstead surrender his badge

In her final scenes, Hailey looked at other job opportunities, then climbed into a taxi and headed for an unknown future.

Below, Spiridakos shares details about her difficult decision to leave — and how it affected Hailey — as well as what she learned from the character and what she thought of the shocking episode in the season finale.

Tracy Spiridakos on the Chicago Police Department

Lori Allen/NBC via Getty Images

PEOPLE: Tell me about the decision to leave this show after so long.

Tracey Spiridakos: It was a very, very difficult decision. I really love this cast and this crew. I might get emotional talking about it, but I’ve been on the show for about seven and a half years, and I honestly just wanted to see what else was out there for me and change it up a bit. That was really the only thing. I just felt it was time to see what else was out there.

Did Halstead’s departure in season 10 play any role in that choice? Because they were a key part of each other’s stories.

No, actually. There were some co-workers who asked me a similar question, but no, I mean, the characters were so intertwined, absolutely, but Gwen [Sigan, an executive producer] created these really interesting stories, so Hailey had her own journey. It was the saddest and hardest decision ever, but I came to a point where I said, “Okay, I love everything here. I’m so grateful for everything,” but I wondered if maybe it was time to change it.

Tracy Spiridakos calls Jesse Lee Soffer ‘the absolute best’ amid his ‘Chicago PD’ Exit News

Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos on Chicago Police Lori Allen/NBC

What was the last scene you filmed?

The scene where Jason and I are down in the basement, and in the last shot it’s me and Jason, as if I’m rocking him, and the rest of the crew comes in and finds us. We shot until one in the morning and it was a very emotional day, I think, for all of us. You could feel the energy on the set, and a lot of the crew was hanging out, everyone was just waiting around, and so when we came out of the basement, there was a very sweet clap where the crew and everyone was there. It was very emotional.

What did it mean for you to have Elias Koteas back as Alvin Olinsky for your final episode?

I liked it. Elias is a dear friend, we’re still in regular contact, so seeing him on set in his Al costume, I think, was a really emotional moment. I think everyone who saw it cried.

Jason Beghe and Tracy Spiridakos on the Chicago Police Department

Lori Allen/NBC

What has Hailey taught you personally?

What I learned most from her is that your vulnerability can be your strength. That’s something that I personally have always struggled with, and what I’ve learned through this character is how powerful it can be to let your feelings come through, whatever they are, and that’s something I’ll definitely take with me.

What will you transfer from this experience to your next job?

This show, this group of people, this cast, and our producers, and everyone has helped me really find my confidence as an actor to feel that my voice is heard when I have an opinion about something, an opinion about something. I’m not saying that previous jobs didn’t have the same encouragement, but I think the way this series works is very much a best-idea-wins kind of way, and I’ve really found my voice as an actor without feeling like I’m going to offend anyone, or without necessarily feeling like I’m going to offend anyone. step on your toes.

Tracy Spiridakos on the Chicago Police Department

Lori Allen/NBC

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In the final moments of the episode, Hailey was looking for other jobs, considering the DEA, FBI, FEMA. Where do you want her to end up?

I didn’t think too much about where I wanted it to go, but what I really liked was that it ended with a smile.

And your hair looks killer, by the way!

[Laughs.] Thanks a lot! I think that was my favorite moment for her. She went through all these things during the show and it was a moment of real peace for her, where I think no matter where she ends up, it’s something that she’s happy and fulfilled doing, and she’s following her inner spirit to go do something completely different, and I love that. Maybe because it’s small, even for me.

Tracy Spiridakos and Amy Morton on the Chicago Police Department

Lori Allen/NBC

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Can you imagine ever returning to the Dick Wolf universe as Hailey? I mean, there is a whole FBI franchise.

I would absolutely love that. The Dick Wolf franchise is one of the greatest experiences of my career. The way they operate as a company isn’t even like a company. It’s very family-oriented, and I feel like they’re family and friends, so I’d love to be a part of their universe, for sure.

What is your dream role or something you haven’t done yet in your career?

I love all action stuff, but I would love to act in a comedy. I have to work Episodes few years ago. We had such a great time, and they’re such a wonderful group of people to work with, and I remember thinking, “Oh, this would be great to do for a while, have a few laughs and see what’s all the fuss about.” Although we still laugh a lot PD!

Tracy Spiridakos on the Chicago Police Department

Lori Allen/NBC via Getty Images

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Any parting messages for the show’s passionate fan base?

I want to say a big thank you to the fans, the ChiHards, who really embraced me by coming on the show for a few seasons and made me feel so welcome. I’m getting emotional. Walking through Chicago when people stop and say “Hi” and “We love your work” is wonderful. Well, thank you.

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Chicago police is available to stream on Peacock.

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