Patrick Dempsey Leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' Next Year?

ABC/RON TOM(LOS ANGELES) -- "McDreamy" is leaving Grey's Anatomy next year.  Maybe.

Patrick Dempsey, who has played Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy since it began in 2005, says he will depart the ABC series after its eighth season.

He reportedly told the Italian edition of Vanity Fair, "I do not know what's going to happen to the other characters, but for me it's done."  He further stated that his exit will be "bittersweet because it's been great and a great part of my life.  But I can't see me doing it anymore."

Despite the comments, Dempsey's publicist claims the actor hasn't made a decision regarding his future with Grey's Anatomy.

The rep told Entertainment Weekly, "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."

If Dempsey were to leave Grey's Anatomy, he'd presumably focus more on his movie career. Most recently, he's starred in the films Enchanted, Made of Honor, and Valentine's Day, and also appears in the upcoming Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

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