Patrick Dempsey is leaving 'Grey's Anatomy'

Patrick Dempsey is leaving 'Grey's Anatomy'. McDreamy might be McGone after next season. In an interview with Italian Vogue (via TVLine.com) Patrick Dempsey revealed he is leaving ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ at the end of season eight.

“It’s gonna be my last,” Dempsey said. “I do not know what’s going to happen to the other characters, but for me it’s done. [Leaving will be] bittersweet because it’s been a great part of my life. But I can’t see me doing it anymore.”

Soon after that quote leaked, Dempsey’s publicist did some quick damage control. “He was referring to the fact that his contract is up at the end of next season and we have no idea what the future holds,” his rep told Us Weekly.

Dempsey’s contract ends at the end of next season–as does Ellen Pompeo, who plays title character, Meredith Grey. Pompeo has already said she’s most likely not returning when her contract is up so it will be interesting to see what Dempsey decides.

Luckily, should they both decide to leave, there is another Grey to take over the storyline. Chyler Leigh, who plays Meredith Grey’s sister, Lexie, isn’t going anywhere!