Wednesday night’s winter season finale of Ghost Hunters drew 2.2 million total viewers, making it the most-watched episode of Ghost Hunters in total viewers since 10/20/10. As we told you, there was a big announcement coming, and now we know: co-lead investigator Grant Wilson is leaving the series. We have the press release and a clip:

GRANT WILSON TO DEPART FROM SYFY’S GHOST HUNTERS
NEW YORK – February 16, 2012 – As announced on last night’s episode, Grant Wilson, co-lead investigator of Syfy’s hit reality series Ghost Hunters, will be departing the show. His last episode will air Wednesday, May 16 @ 9pm, and he will wrap production at some point next month.

Of the departure, Wilson said, “It is with mixed emotion that I am announcing my departure from the cast of Ghost Hunters. While paranormal investigating has always been and will remain a passion for me, after enjoying nearly eight successful seasons on television, I have made the decision to leave the series in order to focus on other aspects of my personal life.

I will deeply miss working with Jason and the rest of the dedicated investigators and crew that have become like family, and I wish them all the best as they continue to follow their passion and realize the vision of TAPS. I will also miss interacting with our wonderful fans worldwide. You are all at the heart of what we do on Ghost Hunters, and I’m grateful to have gotten to know many of you over the years.

Thank you to Syfy and Pilgrim Studios for giving me the opportunity to do what I love for nearly eight years, and for supporting this difficult decision.”

Statement from Jason Hawes, TAPS Co-Founder & Co-Lead Investigator, Ghost Hunters:
“When Grant and I founded TAPS nearly 20 years ago, we never imagined that we would be able to make such an impact just by doing what we enjoy every day. I will miss working with Grant on a daily basis, and am indebted to the level of dedication and expertise he has brought to our field.

I can’t imagine having a better partner through it all – both on the show and off. Grant and I, along with our spouses and children, are all like one big family. While I fully support his decision to move on from the series, this longtime friendship – as well as our business partnership – will continue off-camera for years to come.”

Statement from Mark Stern, President, Syfy Original Content and Co-Head, Universal Cable Productions:
“Grant has been an integral part of a show that has become the standard-bearer for paranormal investigation. The fact that Ghost Hunters is still going strong in its eighth season is a testament to Grant’s amazing partnership with Jason and their clear connection to the audience. We respect and support this difficult decision that Grant has made, and wish him all the best in his new endeavors. The hard work, integrity, and compassion that he has consistently brought to his work won’t be easily replaced, but this successful series will find a way to reshape itself as it moves forward.”

Statement from Craig Piligian, Executive Producer, Pilgrim Studios:
“It’s been a great eight seasons so far for Ghost Hunters, and a terrific partnership between Pilgrim Studios and TAPS. We wish our good friend Grant Wilson all the best.”

On Wednesday nights at 9pm for over seven years, Ghost Hunters has featured spine-tingling cases from the files of TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) – led by Rhode Island plumbers Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson. Since its 2004 premiere, the show has spawned two spin-offs (with over 200 episodes among the three series), cementing its place as the #1 paranormal franchise in cable. Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International are produced in association with Craig Piligian’s Pilgrim Studios (Dirty Jobs, The Ultimate Fighter, Top Shot). Piligian and Thomas Thayer, along with Mike Nichols and Alan David, serve as executive producers.

Ghost Hunters International will be taking the place of Ghost Hunters starting next week for seven weeks, followed by the premiere of season 9 of Ghost Hunters on Wednesday, April 11 at 9/8c on Syfy.