Graham Wardle left Heartland after 14 seasons to pursue personal growth and new creative opportunities. His character, Ty Borden, was written off the show in Season 14, passing away from complications after a gunshot wound. Wardle made the decision after years of reflection, choosing to follow his heart and start a new chapter beyond the series.
If you're anything like me, you've spent countless hours wrapped up in the lives, landscapes, and loves of the Bartlett-Fleming family. For so many of us, Heartland isn't just a show; it feels like coming home. And a huge part of that home was Ty Borden, played so memorably by Graham Wardle.
Which is why the start of Season 14 felt like such a gut punch. Watching Ty collapse — and learning he died from complications after being shot in the Season 13 finale — left fans absolutely heartbroken. Ty wasn't just a character; he was the troubled kid who found his way, fell deeply in love with Amy, and became the heart and soul of the ranch.
His sudden death left everyone asking: Why would Graham Wardle leave such an iconic role?
Hearing it From Graham Himself: "It Was Time"
Surprisingly, the decision to write Ty out wasn’t made by the show's creators alone — it came directly from Graham Wardle.
Speaking to The Canadian Press in 2021, Graham explained that after 14 seasons, he felt an inner calling for change:
"I felt in my heart it was time to move in a new direction."- Graham Wardle
It wasn’t about drama behind the scenes or dissatisfaction with the show. It was a deeply personal choice.
Graham later shared in an emotional YouTube message that he had been thinking about leaving for several years before finally making the move. It was about honoring his own personal growth, even if it meant letting go of a role — and a family — he loved dearly.
A Decade as Ty Borden: More Than Just a Role
Spending over a decade playing one character is no small thing. Ty Borden wasn’t just someone Graham portrayed — he grew alongside him.
It's wild to think about spending over a devade playing the same character. Ty Borden wasn’t just someone Graham portrayed — he grew alongside him.
We watched Ty transform from a rebellious outsider to a devoted husband, father, and pillar of the Heartland ranch.
But as Graham said in multiple interviews, sometimes you feel a calling to explore new parts of yourself. Staying, no matter how beloved the role, would have meant ignoring that inner voice.
"I’m following my heart, and I don’t know where it’s leading me, but that’s what life is about."- Graham Wardle
And honestly, it takes real courage to step away from something comfortable to seek growth.
What Has Graham Wardle Been Doing Since Heartland?
After leaving Heartland, Graham didn’t disappear from the spotlight — he simply shifted it inward.
He launched a podcast called "Time Has Come," where he he talks about his own life and chats with interesting people.
Fun fact: His former co-star and close friend Amber Marshall (Amy Fleming) appeared as one of his first guests! It's really heartwarming to see they're still close even when the cameras aren't rolling.
Beyond his podcast, Graham has also been diving into creative projects, speaking engagements, and photography. He's chosen a more private and thoughtful path lately — but he still connects with fans now and then through social media and his podcast.
By 2025, Graham was still hosting "Time Has Come" and sometimes joined fans at events looking back on the "Heartland" series.
Losing Ty Borden: A Heartland Turning Point
Ty Borden's death hit Heartland hard. For many fans who'd been watching for years, the show just wasn't the same without him. But even though he's gone, the love, strength, and kindness that made Ty who he was — still lives on in Amy, Lyndy, and everyone at Heartland family.
Knowing that Graham left by choice, following a call toward personal growth, makes the loss a little easier to understand.
Ty's leaving feels like real life, doesn't it? Things always change, and sometimes the strongest thing you can do is step into what's next, even if you don't know what it holds.
Graham Wardle’s exit from Heartland wasn’t about scandal, bad blood, or ratings.
It was about listening to his heart — just like Ty would have.
Though we all miss seeing Ty’s steady presence on the ranch, we can be proud to see Graham thriving on his own journey, living authentically and inspiring others to do the same.
Heartland will always be Ty Borden's home. Graham Wardle's brave decision to move on ensures we'll always remember the impact he had, both as Ty and as himself.
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