Justin Chambers is leaving Grey's Anatomy after 16 seasons

10 January 2020, 20:41

By Katie Louise Smith

Chambers, who played Dr. Alex Karev since season 1, has reportedly already left the show and his final episode has already aired.

Grey's Anatomy just lost another original cast member as it's been confirmed that Justin Chambers, who played Dr. Alex Karev, is leaving the show after 16 seasons.

In a statement given to Deadline who first reported the news, Chambers said: “There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years."

READ MORE: Kate Walsh hints that she might be returning to Grey's Anatomy

“For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time.”

He continued: “As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride."

View this post on Instagram

Cheers to 15 years, 332 episodes and making television history‼️Tonight, @greysabc becomes the longest running medical drama📽🎬👩🏽‍⚕️ of all time. We appreciate all of our viewers, new and old, that have kept us on all of these years. Thank you to @shondarhimes for being a trailblazer, to @abcnetwork for giving us a home, and to all of the incredible castmates, crew members and writers throughout the years. It takes a village.

A post shared by Justin Chambers (@officialjustinchambers) on Feb 28, 2019 at 7:51pm PST

It's also been reported that Chambers' last episode as Karev has already aired, which is no doubt devastating news to the fans who would have liked to have seen a proper send off for Chambers and his beloved character.

In his final episode, Karev is seen returning home to care for his sick mother. He didn't appear in the mid-season finale.

Fans are, of course, heartbroken with the departure of another original cast member. Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey), James Pickens Jr (Richard Webber) and Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey) are the only remaining series regulars who have stayed since season 1.

As one of the five original interns, Chambers helped shaped Karev from Evil Spawn into the respected head of Pediatric surgery. His character arc was undoubtably one of the best the show has seen in its 16 season run.

It's not yet known how the show will address his departure, particularly when it comes to Jo Karev's storyline.

Chambers' co-stars are yet to share their goodbye messages on social media but when they do, we're sure they're gonna break our damn hearts.

Karev forever ❤