Is Patrick Dempsey Leaving 'Grey's Anatomy'?

After seven seasons, it seems that Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey may be moving on from the hit ABC series.

Dempsey, who stepped into his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd in 2005, has strongly hinted that next season might be the end of the road for him — and the show. "It will be my last," the actor told Italian Vogue. "I don't know what will happen with the other characters, but for me, it's done," he said. The decision, Dempsey says, is "bittersweet, because [the show] has been a great part of my life. But I can't see me doing it anymore."

Dempsey's publicist, however, contradicted the quote, saying that his comments had been taken out of context, according to Us Weekly. "He was referring to the fact that his contract is up at the end of next season. We have no idea what the future holds."