Ian Somerhalder stood to benefit from Nina Dobrev's exit from "The Vampire Diaries," at least according to one tabloid.

Nina Dobrev left the series as she explained earlier in an Instagram note that she wanted to move on to other things after spending six seasons playing Elena. His note came amidst speculations that there's tension on the set between her and Ian Somerhalder, who married Nikki Reed after their split.

"One factor is clear - Ian Somerhalder is relieved Nina Dobrev quit 'The Vampire Diaries.' Nikki Reed is satisfied the threat of Ian and Nina rekindling their romance is gone, and Somerhalder gets more screen time. It's a win-win for Ian," Celebrity Dirty Laundry said.

"While Ian praised everyone's work in a great effort to appear humble and appreciative, it's pretty clear Somerhalder likes the new focus and attention on his character," it added.

"Nikki Reed has been pushing Ian to take on bigger projects; possibly trying to convince him to quit 'The Vampire Diaries' to make the jump to a movie career."

Of course, Ian Somerhalder being happy with Nina Dobrev's exit is only speculative at this point, but the actor did give a glimpse of what he's thinking when Elena left Damon.

"I thought it was going to be a huge departure for the typical formula of our show," he told Variety. "By virtue of the fact that it wasn't a huge leap for mankind, as far as changing it up, there were some differences that sort of mixed up the formula."

"What we've just started shooting is such a departure (from what is expected of the show). I just started shooting episode 10, which is a concept episode," Nikki Reed's husband continued.

"The episode was really about Damon, but that's not why I think it was the best at all. The way the story was put together ... every artisan from set to producers to wardrobe to everyone was just so on-point."