Although Patrick Dempsey has spoken publicly over the last few years about leaving the popular series, Grey's Anatomy, and that some prominent, well-liked characters have come and gone, it looks like now he really is going. The loss of his popular character is certain to leave an enormous gap in the storyline in the long-running ABC drama.

Actor/race-car driver, Patrick Dempsey, has recently confirmed that after eleven seasons on the medical soap, his character, brain surgeon Derek Shepherd, nicknamed McDreamy, will be leaving Seattle Grace Hospital. He was Ellen Pompeo's love interest and her character, Meredith Grey, will find herself in the he next season facing the unexpected position of many women in real life; sudden widowhood.

In the words of ABC president, Paul Lee:

"It was great to see 'Grey's Anatomy' so relevant and taking the national conversation... "It was a difficult decision. Patrick obviously has lots of interests outside and Shonda Rhimes "decided that was the way to go."

She is the creative executive producer of the series and said that: "it wasn't easy or fun killing off Patrick Dempsey's character." She has opted for a lighter tone for the up-and-coming twelfth season. Addressing critics on the subject, she revealed that her choices for Shepherd's character were to either kill him off or contaminate the love story between him and Meredith Grey. Rhimes believes it to be more truthful to the story to have him die.

The 49 year-old Maine-born Patrick Galen Dempsey is as well known for his car racing as he is for his acting roles. He experienced success as an actor at a very early age and while still in his twenties, starred in several films including Can't Buy Me Love (1987) and Loverboy (1989). In the 1990s, he appeared in smaller roles in film and television before landing a lead role in Sweet Home Alabama (2002). In the last decade, he has starred in a number of films, including Enchanted, Made of Honor, Valentine's Day, Flypaper, Freedom Writers and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Dempsey's departure may not be permanent considering the fate of other cast members in the past (albeit death is a difficult comeback). These include: Katherine Heigl, T.R. Knight, Isaiah Washington and Sandra Oh. Washington appeared in an episode last year despite having left the show.

Grey's new season will begin in September without Dr. Derek Shepherd and with Meredith Grey picking up the pieces of what was once their relationship and moving on.