United Kingdom, Dec. 20 -- Bowen Yang is "grateful for every single minute" he has spent on Saturday Night Live.

The 35-year-old star will depart the long-running NBC sketch comedy series after seven seasons following Saturday's (20.12.25) episode and has hinted at the "dreamiest" farewell with this weekend's host, his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Bowen wrote: "I loved working on SNL, and most of all I loved the people.

"I was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 Rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile.

"I'm grateful for every minute of my time there. I learned about myself (bad with wigs). I learned about other...