Start planning your going away party, Grey's Anatomy viewers: Patrick Dempsey will exit the show after next season.

With just one year remaining on his contract, the actor made his intentions clear in an interview with the latest issue of Italian Vanity Fair. He told the magazine:

“It’s gonna be my last. I do not know what’s going to happen to the other characters, but for me it’s done," adding that the decision is “bittersweet because it’s been great and a great part of my life. But I can’t see me doing it anymore.”

Shonda Rimes has been preparing to bid farewell to both Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo after season eight, though the latter is yet to give official notification.

At least the creator now has time to plan our an official goodbye for Derek. What do you think? Does this guarantee Meredith leaves with him? Sound off now and react to Dempsey's announcement...

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.