Izzie Does it, Take Four: Katherine Heigl Officially Signed For Next Season
Steve Marsi
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A day after ABC Television Studio opted to not renew Isaiah Washington's contract, thereby ending Dr. Preston Burke's tenure at Seattle Grace, Katherine Heigl received word that Dr. Isobel "Izzie" Stevens was still wanted, the actress' rep confirms.
"Katherine Heigl has received a formal pick-up notice and is still hopeful that ABC will show her the same respect that they have shown for her co-stars," her publicist said in a statement obtained by E! Online.
Katherine Heigl is the last of the Golden Globe-winning drama's major stars to be reupped, a few months removed from pulling the plug on contract talks back in February after not getting a raise that would have put her on the same level with co-stars Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Oh, who get about $200,000 per episode and a percentage of the show's profits.
Although ABC maintained throughout that the 28-year-old actress, a Golden Globe nominee for supporting actress in January, was "an integral part of Grey's Anatomy and its success," Katherine Heigl admitted she was upset the contract disagreement was leaked to the public, and "disappointed that Touchstone felt it necessary to divulge private information."
"I just want to be treated with the same respect they're showing the other actors, and so far they've refused to do that," she told Entertainment Weekly in an interview last month.
So while Heigl waited it out, telling CBS' Early Show just a few weeks ago that she hadn't received her pickup letter yet, she focused on her future.
The star inked a deal with Coty Inc. to be the face of Nautica's first fragrance for women, and signed on to star in the bridesmaid comedy 27 Dresses, which is currently filming in New York.
Meanwhile, the Judd Apatow-directed Knocked Up is getting great critical feedback, banking major money at the box office â€" $46.2 million after less than a week in theaters â€" and earning Heigl many accolades as well as comparisons to Meg Ryan and other queens of romantic comedy.
But the best news is for George and Izzie fans, who, with Heigl and T.R. Knight back, get to see the fallout from Izzie's season finale plea to George. Callie O'Malley be darned, I am in love with you, George!
Production on the fourth season of Grey's Anatomy is expected to kick off later this summer. With Katherine Heigl and a terrific band of co-stars back, we're already anticipating the new campaign!
Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.
