Brace yourselves, Grey's Anatomy fans: One of the last remaining originals has officially said goodbye.
In a genuinely shocking announcement, Justin Chambers announced on Friday (January 10) that he has left his role as surgeon Dr Alex Karev after 15 years on the ABC medical drama.
He told Deadline: "There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years. For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices.
"And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time.
"As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride."
Those hoping for a big sendoff for the character will be left disappointed, as TV Line confirmed that his final episode has already aired.
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In the November 14 and November 21 episodes, 'My Shot' and 'Let's All Go to the Bar', it was revealed that Alex had returned home to care for his ill mum.
This season has seen Alex, Dr Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr) and Dr Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) working at Pacific Northwest General Hospital (aka Pac-North) to help improve its reputation.
Chambers' exit is the first major departure since Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew's characters Dr Arizona Robbins and Dr April Kepner were written out in a controversial season 14 twist.
ABC boss Karey Burke said earlier this week at the TCA press tour that there are hopes of Grey's Anatomy being renewed beyond 2021.
Grey's Anatomy airs on Thursdays on ABC in the US. It airs on Sky Witness and NOW TV in the UK.
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Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
