Does Patrick Dempsey Regret Leaving ‘Grey’s Anatomy’? Former McDreamy Actor Opens Up Ahead Of Season 13 Premiere

It’s been months since McDreamy crashed his Porsche, ending his tenure on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and crushing the hearts of fans around the world. Patrick Dempsey, who played the character for around 10 years, has fond memories of the show, but is glad it’s behind him.

During a recent interview with People magazine, the actor opened up about his departure revealing that he stuck around much longer than he initially planned. Dempsey claims he’d been pondering the idea of getting out for some time, admitting that he “stayed a bit longer” than he would have liked. The Maine native felt his character had run his course and the time had come to move on to other projects. In addition, Dempsey was tired of living and working on someone else’s schedule. “Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes was understanding of his feelings and made no attempts to hold him back.

“I think after a certain period of time, no matter how much money you make, you want control out of your own schedule,” he said. “It was clear we [he and Rhimes] were both ready.”

Meanwhile in Shondaland, the show must go on. With Dempsey, 50, long gone and several other stars — including Sara Ramirez — calling it quits as well, “Grey’s Anatomy” has been forced to move in a new direction. On Wednesday ABC released photos from the Season premiere, titled “Undo.” The show appears to pick up where it left off — with DeLuca (Giacomo Gianniotti) in the hospital, Dr. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) trying to pick up the pieces, and the rest of the Grey Sloane Memorial staff trying to help where they can.

Several images show Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) confronting different staff members and friends. Two notable confrontations appear to be with Dr. Webber (James Pickens Jr.) and Dr. Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary). According to the network, she is holding on to a secret that could jeopardize her relationship with Maggie and Alex, which explains the seemingly intense nature of the still depicting her and her half-sister together. While all this goes on, Dr. Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) and Dr. April Kepner (Sarah Drew) are basking in the bliss of being new parents. The pair are shown looking on adoringly at the new addition to their unconventional family and one another.

Since moving on from the show, Dempsey has landed a role in “Bridget Jones’ Baby.” On Monday, the former “Grey’s Anatomy” star was spotted at the premiere of the film in London. Accompanying him was wife Jillian Fink, daughter Tallula and twin sons Darby and Sullivan. The premiere marked the first time Dempsey and Fink have appeared in public since calling off their divorce in January.

“Grey’s Anatomy” returns to ABC at 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Sept. 22.