Grey's Anatomy has its "McDreamy" back. In the season 17 premiere, Patrick Dempsey rejoined the series as "Dr. Derek Shepherd." It was exciting news for fans of the long-running show, even if its just for a limited time.
But will the new season just keep getting better? In particular, fans are wondering if one familiar face will follow Dempsey's lead and also return to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
Grey's Anatomy cast comebacks: Is Katherine Heigl next?
A recent Twitter post by star Ellen Pompeo has generated hopes for another major return. The actress posted a gif of herself and "Dr. Izzie Stevens" actress Katherine Heigl and wrote: "Hey it's Grey's day!!!"
This hint has had fans eagerly awaiting each and every new Grey's episode. But will Heigl really return to her role as "Izzie"? From 2005 to 2010, she played the junior doctor before turning her back on the hospital drama to pursue other opportunities. That career path has also worked: to this day, Heigl has been seen in many films and TV series, notably including Suits.
Jeff Thrasher has passed away
Grey's Anatomy season 17 episode 4 airs Thursday, Dec. 3
We do know there will be another comeback on Grey's in the coming weeks. Last week, a trailer for the series hinted that an ex-star is set to return, just as Dempsey did on that dreamy beach.
Fans probably won't learn of the next comeback until new episodes air on ABC. Grey's kicked off the new season on Nov. 12 and airs on Thursday nights, but this week is an off week. Watch for the highly-anticipated new episode on Thursday, Dec. 3!
For more, see what star Debbie Allen had to say about the odds of season 17 being the finale for Grey's.
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