Patrick Dempsey says the current season of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ will be “his last”.

The 45-year-old actor, who has played Dr. Derek Shepherd in the US medical drama since 2005, says he has no plans to continue with the role once season eight ends but admits his departure at the end of his current contract will be “bittersweet”.

He told Italy’s Vanity Fair magazine: “It’s gonna be my last. 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. But I can’t see me doing it anymore.”

Patrick – whose hunky character is nicknamed ‘McDreamy’ by fans of the show – also plans to distance himself from romantic comedies after becoming known for films such as ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘Made of Honour’ because he would rather take on more action roles.

He continued: “No more romantic comedies, that’s for sure. I’m not the right age and in any case, I do not care, I do not feel at ease. I am more interested in action films.”

After the star revealed he is leaving ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, his publicist denied it was a definite decision but admitted his contract will soon come to an end.

The representative said: “He was referring to the fact that his contract is up at the end of next season and we have no idea what the future holds.”

Meanwhile, Ellen Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey on the show, has revealed that her contract will also finish at the end of next season and it is unlikely she will renew it.

Source: BANG Showbiz

The music mogul – who judges ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and ‘The X Factor’ in the UK and ‘American Idol’ and ‘America’s Got Talent’ in the US – has topped a list of Prime Time TV’s Top Earning Men compiled by respected financial publication Forbes magazine.

Real estate mogul and ‘The Apprentice’ star Donald Trump came in second place after banking $50 million in the period June 1 2008 to June 1 2009, with ‘American Idol’ presenter Ryan Seacrest in third place with earnings of $38 million.

Ryan’s earnings were generated from his hosting duties, radio show and production on programmes including ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ but does not include the three-year $45 million deal Ryan signed this summer with 19 Entertainment as it will count towards his earnings next year.

Making up the rest of the top five were ‘Two And A Half Men’ actor Charlie Sheen, who made $21 million  and earns a reported $800,000 per episode of the sit-com, and ‘The Office’ actor Steve Carrell, who has also starred in a number of movies this year, including ‘Get Smart’ with Anne Hathaway.

Prime Time TV’s Top Earning Men according to Forbes magazine:

1. Simon Cowell – $75 million

2. Donald Trump – $50 million

3. Ryan Seacrest – $38 million

4. Charlie Sheen – $21 million

5. Steve Carell – $20 million

6. Howie Mandel – $15 million

7. Kiefer Sutherland – $13 million

8. Jeff Foxworthy – $11 million

9. Hugh Laurie – $10 million

10 .David Caruso – $9 million

10 .Patrick Dempsey – $9 million

Source: BANG Showbiz