"Grey's Anatomy' star Ellen Pompeo recently opened up about the highly-anticipated season 12 of the hit ABC series, giving details as to why it will be different from the other seasons.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pompeo explained that cutting off certain characters, such as Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), on the show is what makes it feel different.
"It makes everything feel so much different and that's what we're looking for in season 12. We're looking for things to not stay the same. They have to stay the same to some extent but you welcome change because that's what inspires the writers, that's what inspires the actors. Change is necessary for growth," the 45-year-old actress shared.
Rising to fame for taking on the role of Meredith Grey, Pompeo also opened up about how she thinks the show will carry on with McDreamy gone.
"That's how the writers find inspiration. So the loss of the big characters is exactly how the show does go on," the actress said.
Talking about her own character, Pompeo plans to pay tribute to the loyal fans of "Grey's Anatomy.' The "Daredevil' movie actress said she wants to give justice to Meredith's storyline.
"I almost feel like Kobe Bryant every season - just because I have three championship rings - I don't have any Emmys - but because I have 12 seasons, I can't rest or get comfortable," she admitted. "You have to keep trying your hardest, running your fastest, working out your hardest, doing your best. You have to keep topping yourself."
As for her character's best friend, fans were greatly disappointed when Oh left the show after season 10, especially since her own character Cristina had become an essential part of the storyline since the beginning.
"Creatively, I really feel like I gave it my all, and I feel ready to let her go," Oh said to The Hollywood Reporter when her exit from "Grey's Anatomy' was announced in 2013. "It's such an interesting thing to play a character for so long and to actually get the sense that she wants to be let go as well."
However, "Grey's Anatomy' season 12 rumors are now claiming that Cristina might return to the show, especially if the fitting opportunity is given to Oh.
Speaking about her conversations with showrunner Shonda Rhimes, the 44-year-old star said: "We talked about that when I told her I was going to leave but we haven't talked about it again. There are certain things that Shonda and I talk about once and then we leave it because we want things to happen without pressure."
In addition, Rhimes previously referred to Pompeo's Meredith as the heart of the show. The executive producer also assured fans that the upcoming season will have a much lighter tone compared to the last one.
"It was a nice feeling to be so light again but in a way that didn't feel like we're trying so hard; it felt natural," she said.
ABC's "Grey's Anatomy' season 12 will make its official premiere on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET.
