NOTE: Huge spoilers regarding the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy to air in the US.
After last night's episode of Grey's Anatomy broadcast in America, fans were shocked and saddened to see Patrick Dempsey's character, Doctor Derek Shepherd killed off in a huge twist with even bigger repercussions.
Creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes isn't willing to talk about the shocking plot, but did release the following statement to Entertainment Weekly: "Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character-for Meredith, for me and for the fans. I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our 'McDreamy.' Patrick Dempsey's performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example-happy, sad, romantic, painful and always true-of what young women should demand from modern love. His loss will be felt by all. Now, Meredith and the entire Grey's Anatomy family are about to enter uncharted territory as we head into this new chapter of her life. The possibilities for what may come are endless. As Ellis Grey would say: the carousel never stops turning."
Meanwhile, Dempsey himself has spoken to Entertainment Weekly himself in an exclusive interview, which saw him admit that the storyline had come about "very quickly" and "there wasn't a lot of discussion."
He continued: "It was just a natural progression, and the way everything was unfolding in a very organic way, it was like, okay! This was obviously the right time. And then it was a question of... That's a question for Shonda."
Grey's Anatomy continues next Thursday on ABC.
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