Dr. Derek Shepherd’s days may be numbered. A source close to Grey’s Anatomy production told Page Six that Patrick Dempsey and show creator Shonda Rhimes are on the outs because of his behavior.
“Patrick has been acting like a diva and has clashed with Shonda. She suspended him for a while, and the word on set is that he isn’t coming back full time,” the source said.
Even though Patrick signed a 2-year deal in 2014 that covers him through the end of 2015, his character was largely written off the show last November with the explanation he accepted a new job in Washington D.C. In December, Shonda told Entertainment Weekly that fans shouldn’t hold their breath for Dr. Shepherd’s big return.
“It’s highly possible that we might not see Derek for a while,” Shonda said. “There will be a time when you see him again, yes, but it’s probable that you won’t see Derek for a while.”
Although Patrick ended up appearing in a few winter episodes, the production source said it’s just a way to faze him out of the series, which he’s starred in since 2005. The insider added Patrick “didn’t help” himself out when he confirmed in November that he planned to retire the character “very soon.”
“Given all the past problems with Katherine Heigl and Isaiah Washington, there is little tolerance on the show for troublesome talent,” the insider said.
The actor’s rep denied the report of a rift with Shonda. A representative for Grey’s Anatomy didn’t return requests for comment.
