Has Grey's Anatomy Star Patrick Dempsey Had a Change of Heart?

In May Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey told Italian Vogue that he has no desire to return to the show after the eighth season. “It’s gonna be my last,” he said in an interview. “I do not know what’s going to happen to the other characters, but for me it’s done. Leaving will be bittersweet because it’s been a great part of my life. I can’t see myself doing it anymore.”

Perhaps Dempsey, like fans, notice the poor quality of storylines in recent seasons and thought that there was little growth left for his character. However, over the weekend Dempsey told USA Today that he is currently in negotiations with the show that made him a household name.

"We're certainly talking about the future," he told reporters at the Florida at Daytona International Speedway where Dempsey races in his spare time. "The biggest point for me in negotiations is getting time off to come race so if I don't miss races, I'll probably stay on Grey's Anatomy. It certainly helps with the racing, and that's my real passion but I also enjoy the show, as well. It keeps me in town so I can be around my family. So we'll see. Hopefully we can work out a deal." Last year Dempsey finished third at the Grand-Am Series in Daytona.

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing the news. What would Grey’s Anatomy be without one of its leading doctors and heartthrobs? What would Meredith’s future be like without him on the show?