Grey's Anatomy: T.R. Knight Out, Katherine Heigl In

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We have some good news and some bad news for Grey's Anatomy fans.

Well, depending on your perspective, it might be some bad news and some bad news.

E! Online reports that, after months of rumors and denials, T.R. Knight has officially confirmed that he won't be returning to the series next season.

"Leaving Grey's Anatomy was not an easy decision for me to make," Knight said in an official statement on Wednesday. "I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play this character and will miss my fellow cast and crew very much. I continue to wish them the very best, and wholeheartedly thank all of the fans who have supported me and the show with such passion and enthusiasm."

Show creator Shonda Rhimes followed up with her own statement that read, "I think I speak for the entire Grey’s Anatomy family when I say we wish T.R. Knight the best in his future endeavors. He is an incredibly talented actor and a person whose strength of character is admired by all of us."

And now, the other news. Despite a contentious relationship with Grey's Anatomy—particularly with regard to the writers—Katherine Heigl will be returning to the show.

The show's writers and producers had left the fate of Heigl's character, Dr. Isobel "Izzie" Stevens, in the air by putting her under the knife for brain surgery after giving her stage 4 brain and liver cancer, but apparently she will live to see another season. 

It's a television miracle!

Have your say in the comments section: Do you think these developments will improve or detract from the next season of Grey's Anatomy?