Pompeo says Grey's end not `far off'

Ellen Pompeo has admitted fans are not “far off” with their speculation that Grey's Anatomy is close to the end.

The 17th season of the medical drama saw a wave of past cast members, including Patrick Dempsey, Sarah Drew and Eric Dane, make a return to the show, prompting viewers to speculate the ABC show may be reaching the end of its time, and the 51-year-old actress — who plays Meredith Grey — has hinted that could well be the case.

Asked about the speculation at the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, she said: “They're not far off. I mean, I've been trying to get away for years. I have been trying. It's not because I haven't been trying. I have strong relationships at the network and they have been very, very good to me, and have incentivized me to stay.”

But the actress refused to say if there is a definite end date in mind.

“I'm not really supposed to say anything about it.

“I don't want to be disrespectful to people I've promised things to,” she explained.

However, Pompeo acknowledged the show will continue “as long as there's something to do, creatively.”

She added: “Miraculously, we keep coming up with ways to have a reason to stay and if there's a reason, that warrants it.”

But she didn't seem too excited by the idea of a 19th season.

“Oh please! Oh my goodness, can we pray together?” she laughed to Entertainment Tonight.

Much of Season 17 saw Pompeo's character in a coma and dealing with the effects of the coronavirus, and the actress felt it provided a safe way of working and to keep things relevant for the audience.