Ellen Pompeo announces departure from Grey's Anatomy

TV's favourite doctor, Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, is saying goodbye to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

The 53-year-old actress announced her departure from the record-breaking ABC series Grey's Anatomy after 19 seasons.

Pompeo has led the show since its 2005 premiere, making Thursday nights a must-watch for TV lovers. 

She has been receiving an outpouring of well wishes from the Grey's Anatomy team, including show creator Shonda Rhimes; Patrick Dempsey, who played her husband Derek Shepherd until his 2015 exit; and Kate Walsh, who portrays Addison Montgomery.