Grey's Anatomy hasn't been the same without the actress

The actress became a household name after starring as the lead character Meredith Grey but stepped down after 19 seasons.

Fans were devastated to see the actress leave the show, but Pompeo wanted to move on to new projects.

Debbie Allen, who plays Catherine Fox, said Ellen is still involved in the show.

Despite stepping down as a series regular, the actress is set to return temporarily.

Debbie Allen told Entertainment Tonight: "Miss Thing is there honey."

"We have to let her go and do some other things, but she's still our queen," she said.

The actress added: "She's still our number one."

Pompeo said the show has been incredible to her but she was ready to move on and try different things.

She told her fans that Grey's Anatomy will always be special to her and it will always be part of her life.

She told her followers: "I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you have all shown me, Meredith GREY, and the show for 19 seasons!

"Through it all….none of it …would have been possible without the best fans in the world. You all are RIDERS and you all have made the ride so fun and ICONIC!"

The actress said she loves and appreciates her fans more than anything.

After stepping down from the show, the actress told her fans that she would "definitely be back to visit".

We cannot wait to see what happens when Meredith Grey returns to Grey's Anatomy.

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