Patrick Dempsey has confirmed that he will remain on ABC's popular medical series Grey's Anatomy for the foreseeable future by signing a two-year contract extension.
The 48-year-old actor, who plays neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd on the show, confirmed his commitment to the series during a motor racing event in Daytona Beach, Florida, adding that he plans to continue racing professionally in addition to the show.
He said: "Grey's does a remarkable job scheduling around these races now, and I wouldn't be able to do it without them. The fact that they continue to let me race is remarkable in itself, so I am grateful for that and grateful to have employment that is known around the world. It gives me a platform to come and do this type of thing, and it helps the sponsors. I'm lucky to have the gig."
E! further report that show regular Ellen Pompeo, who plays title character Meredith Grey, has also signed a two-year deal to remain on the long-running medical drama.
Meanwhile, Deadline reports Justin Chambers, James Pickens Jr. and Chandra Wilson have yet to sign new deals.
