McDreamy says he's leaving Grey's Anatomy

"It's gonna be my last," he told Italy's Vanity Fair. "I do not know what's going to happen to the other characters, but for me it's done... it's been great and a great part of my life. But I can't see me doing it anymore."

Dempsey plays Dr Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd, one half of the hospital soap's most iconic couple. McDreamy finally married his long-time love Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) at the end of season five, and the current seventh season has chronicled their attempts to start a family.

But if Derek exits, it doesn't mean he'll break it off with Meredith — Pompeo's contract also expires at the end of season eight, sparking speculation she'll also quit the show that bears her character's name.