Former co-stars Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo have been known to grow closer over the many years that they had taken on husband-and-wife roles for the hit ABC series "Grey's Anatomy.'
Following the actor's decision to exit the medical drama, Pompeo has opened up about her confidence in her character's ability to move on despite her husband's death.
The 45-year-old actress also compared "Grey's Anatomy' to the other TV programs also created by Shonda Rhimes, including "How to Get Away with Murder' and "Scandal,' to clarify her point that the ABC medical drama will remain a critically acclaimed program even without McDreamy.
"It is, like, Annalise Keating carries the show," Pompeo said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "Olivia Pope carries the show. But, somehow, Meredith Gray needs someone. Why can't I just be the lead of the show the way Annalise and Olivia can? Why can't I be on that poster by myself?"
Annalise Keating, played by Viola Davis, is the lead character on law drama series "How to Get Away with Murder,' while Olivia Pope, portrayed by Kerry Washington, takes the lead in political thriller "Scandal.'
Despite "Grey's Anatomy' fans expressing their dismay over Dr. Derek Shepherd's death last season, their support for the show remains strong.
Rhimes has not yet made plans of putting a new love interest forward for Meredith in season 11 despite actor Martin Henderson signing on to the cast to play a new surgeon.
"Meredith is in a rebirth and she's evolving. I'm watching the character do what the character's doing and I'll see where it goes," Rhimes told E! News
As for Dempsey, he is apparently doing just fine with his acting career. After taking part in the past 11 seasons of "Grey's Anatomy,' the 49-year-old actor is moving on and has reportedly signed on to the latest "Bridget Jones' Diary' reboot.
As reported by Variety, Dempsey is presently in negotiations with film makers to star alongside Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth in the upcoming movie, which could be titled "Bridget Jones' Baby.'
The movie's plot is said to be drawn out from the columns that were penned by Helen Fielding, the creator of the "Bridget Jones' franchise. While there have been no more plot details revealed, Zellweger and Firth have been confirmed to return and reprise their roles.
As for ABC's "Grey's Anatomy', its season 12 is set to premiere on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET.
