Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes pays tribute to Ellen Pompeo after exit: ‘This isn’t goodbye’-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro

Shonda Rhimes reacted to Ellen Pompeo’s Grey’s Anatomy goodbye (Picture: Getty)

Shonda Rhimes heaped praise on Ellen Pompeo after her Grey’s Anatomy exit was confirmed.

The actress, who has played Meredith Grey for nearly 20 years, shared an emotional farewell to fans on Thursday, thanking those who had watched her journey on the medical drama.

Following her post, the show creator paid tribute to the TV star for her work across the last 19 seasons.

‘What a wild ride these past 19 seasons have been,’ she penned beside a string of photos from their time together.

‘None of it could have been possible without the incomparable @ellenpompeo, the one and only Meredith Grey.

‘This isn’t a goodbye, it’s a see ya later!

Ellen has been on the series since it first started (Picture: FilmMagic)

‘Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Ellen, Meredith and Grey Sloan Memorial. #greysanatomy.’

Ellen was delighted by the post, rushing into the comments below to pen:’ ‘Thank you Queen!!’

She has starred on the long-running hospital series – which follows the goings-on at Sloan Memorial Hospital – since it began, in 2005.

Before the current season hit our screens, it was announced that we would be seeing less of Meredith after the Catch Me If You Can actress drastically limited her role.

In a recent instalment, the character confirmed that she would be leaving the hospital for a new job in Boston, with a teaser for an upcoming episode showing her farewell party.

Ellen bid goodbye to Grey’s Anatomy fans yesterday, in a lengthy message shared on Instagram.

Beside a snap of her posing by a neon sign, she began: ‘I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you have all shown me, Meredith GREY and the show for 19 seasons!

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‘Through it all….none of it …would have been possible without the best fans in the world. You all are RIDERS and you all have made the ride so fun and ICONIC!!

‘I love you madly and appreciate you right back. This isn’t your first time on the rollercoaster… you know the show must go on and I’ll definitely be back to visit.

‘With a lot of love and immense gratitude XoE.’

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