Months after Patrick Dempsey's untimely exit from "Grey's Anatomy,' Jessica Capshaw has recently signed a three-year contract extension with the hit ABC series.
The actress portrays Dr. Arizona Robbins on the medical drama show and had been reportedly out of contract with the network since May, as pointed out by TVLine.
The new deal guarantees Arizona's stay at the Grey Sloan Memorial until May 2018, although the show has only been renewed for the 2015-16 season.
Many of Capshaw's colleagues, such as Sara Ramirez, are also expected to renew their contracts once their current deals end next May.
ABC entertainment president Paul Lee has also expressed his faith in "Grey's Anatomy' remaining on air for "many, many years to come," saying that the program has established a "powerful, vibrant" brand for the network.
According to series creator Shonda Rhimes, they are entering "uncharted territory" this year with Dempsey's character, Dr. Derek Shephard, out of the storyline.
Nonetheless, Rhimes has allowed her former "Off the Map' leading actor Martin Henderson to sign on to the show and take on the role of a new charming surgeon. However, details about the 40-year-old actor's surgeon role in the upcoming season are yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, former "Grey's Anatomy' actress Katherine Heigl has also expressed her shock and disappointment in Dempsey's exit from the series.
In a recent interview while promoting her new indie movie "Jackie & Ryan', the actress who formerly took on the role of Dr. Izzie Stevens said she was struggling to imagine Seattle Grace without Shephard.
"I just can't even imagine the show without McDreamy," Heigl told Entertainment Tonight. "I just can't! It's so hard to picture."
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dempsey shared about his experience of finally exiting "Grey's Anatomy.' The actor also understands why fans were shocked and upset when his character was involved in a car accident and was killed off the show.
"I think any time an original cast member has left, there's always a void that will never be filled," the 49-year-old actor said. "Shepherd is a beloved character. People don't want to lose him. He's been in their lives for over 10 years. But it goes on, and it will evolve."
Meanwhile, Jason George, who plays Dr. Ben Warren on the hit medical drama, has also been promoted to series regular for the upcoming season.
"Grey's Anatomy' season 12 is set to premiere on Thursday, Sept. 24.
