Patrick Dempsey leaving Grey's Anatomy

Patrick Dempsey has sparked rumors he is leaving Grey's Anatomy.

In the new issue of the Italian Vanity Fair, as excerpted by TVLine, Dempsey said that Grey's Anatomy's upcoming eighth season is going to be his last. He told the magazine: "I do not know what's going to happen to the other characters, but for me it's done."

He added that it was "bittersweet because it's been great a great part of my life. But I can't see me doing it anymore."

"He was referring to the fact that his contract is up at the end of next season and we have no idea what the future holds," his publicist told Us Weekly.