Her exit is every bit as mysterious and intriguing as one of the show's murderous plotlines.
Just nine days after filming began, Helena Bonham Carter left the fourth series of The White Lotus because of apparent creative differences between her and its director.
TV bosses insist Ms Bonham Carter, the star of the Harry Potter movies and The Crown, and Mike White agreed to part ways because of disagreements over her character.
But speculation was rife in showbusiness circles last night, with one source suggesting the 59-year-old's departure may have had more to do with a 'clash' with one of her co-stars.
The source, who asked not to be named, said: 'The word is Helena left because of a clash with Sandra Bernhard.' However, Ms Bonham Carter's camp denied the claim last night, insisting the pair had never even met, though they declined to say what had happened.
The actress was the first big name to sign up to the fourth series, which also stars Steve Coogan and Heather Graham.
The hit HBO show follows the antics of a group of disparate characters in a luxury holiday resort, with each series set in a different location and boasting a new cast of characters. The latest series is mainly set at the Airelles Chateau de la Messardiere in Saint-Tropez in the South of France.
Fans had welcomed Ms Bonham Carter's casting, particularly after it emerged her role had been written specifically for her.
Helena Bonham Carter (pictured) left the cast of the latest series of The White Lotus just nine days into filming
Airelles Chateau de la Messardiere in Saint-Tropez in the South of France, where the new series of The White Lotus is mainly set
Ms Bernhard, whose big-screen credits include The King of Comedy and Marty Supreme, joined the show in February.
In a subsequent interview, the 70-year-old comedian and actress – who is a friend of White – revealed she had been asking him to write her a 'star-turning' role for the best part of 25 years.
She said: 'He loves me. We love each other. And he finally said: 'This is it. This is the season. It's the right time.'
In a statement HBO insisted Ms Bonham Carter's exit was because the character White had created for her did not 'align once on set'.
The spokesman added: 'The role has subsequently been rethought, is being rewritten and will be recast in the coming weeks. HBO, the producers and Mike White are saddened that they won't get to work with her but remain ardent fans and very much hope to work with the legendary actress on another project soon.'
The news has prompted shock and anger online. One fan wrote: 'Helena Bonham Carter leaving a Mike White set is the most White Lotus thing to happen to White Lotus. The drama is already five stars.' Another added: 'Something must've really not been clicking behind the scenes.'
HBO declined to comment. Ms Bernhard was approached for comment.