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Grey's Anatomy will continue beyond its upcoming tenth season, star Patrick Dempsey has said.



Dempsey - who plays Dr Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd - told TV Guide that series creator Shonda Rhimes has been "very clear" about her intention to stay with the show.

"I think it's been very clear from ABC and also Shonda that she'll continue on with the show," he said.

"You look at ER and it went on for 15 years and a lot of the original cast was gone from there. Because [our show is] such a procedural, I think it will continue to go on."

The 47-year-old previously said that it would be "a shame" if he were to follow co-star Sandra Oh and exit Grey's Anatomy next year.

"If it's the right fit for all of us and everybody is happy and feels creative and productive, I think [me staying on] could work," he said. "It's been a remarkable ride to be here for 10 years."

Grey's Anatomy returns to ABC in the US with a double bill on Thursday, September 26.