Ellen Pompeo has addressed her future on Grey's Anatomy, calling her guest appearances on the show "a privilege".
The star played the lead role of Dr. Meredith Grey on the long-running medical drama, which premiered back in 2005. She later stepped away from her regular appearances on the show, only signing on for eight episodes in season 19.
Fortunately for fans, Pompeo still remained a part of Grey's Anatomy, returning as a recurring character in seasons 20 and 21. With a 22nd instalment on the horizon, the actor discussed Meredith's future on the show.
Asked whether the series could continue without her character and if she would stay until the very end, Pompeo told RadioTimes: "I can't really speak to that because I don't know when the show will end."
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"I do know that I'm very grateful for having this 21-season run on the show, and that place is very special to me, and the show is very special to me, and the love that I get from the fans is very special. So I sort of try to stay in the present."
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She continued: "I don't know what will be in the future, and I know that it's important to everybody involved that I stay involved a little bit and I appreciate that.
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"So I'm happy that I have the privilege to be able to dip in there and dip out and get the opportunity to do other things and explore my creative opportunities, but also get to still be a part of that. It's nothing, really, but a privilege."
Elsewhere, Pompeo stars in the new thriller series Good American Family, alongside Mark Duplass, as a couple who adopt a girl with a rare form of dwarfism.
The pair begin to raise her alongside their three biological children, but when her age and background are called into question, they suspect she may not be who she says she is.
Grey's Anatomy season 21 airs on Thursdays at 10pm ET on ABC in the US. Previous seasons are streaming on Disney+ in the UK.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
