Melissa George Leaving Grey's Anatomy

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Shortly after Sunday's Golden Globes, Melissa George (Sadie) presented Entertainment Weekly with a doozy of a scoop: She's leaving Grey's Anatomy, STAT.

"It was my choice," the actress-slash-Golden Globe nominee (for In Treatment) confirmed at HBO's red-hot after-party, held poolside at the Beverly Hilton.

"My last day of work is Tuesday."

But lest we think this is yet another in a long line of rocky Grey's Anatomy exits (see also: Isaiah Washington, Brooke Smith, possibly T.R. Knight), George, who joined the ABC medical drama last November as Mer's maybe-gay BFF, is leaving on the best of terms.

Intern Sadie

"I love the show so much," she gushes. "I've made some beautiful friends. I love T.R. Knight. I love Patrick Dempsey, Justin Chambers ... I adore Ellen Pompeo. I think she's a strong, incredible woman. And Katherine Heigl is the most beautiful creature on Earth."

Then why leave?

Melissa George says she simply wants to "do something else." Already? Well, a Grey's Anatomy insider suggests that the parting of the ways was more mutual than simply the actress' choice.

"Melissa's arc came to a natural end. Everyone at the show adores her. We're genuinely sad to see her go," the source divulged.

George's initial deal called for her to appear in roughly 8-11 episodes with an option to become a series regular, like Kevin McKidd.

But her Sadie had a much more rocky introduction than the Iraq doctor, what with the self-mutilation and ambiguous sexuality. The latter characteristic was especially ill-timed coming off of Erica Hahn's controversial exit.

"The character was cursed from Day One," sniffs an ABC source. "She was very difficult to root for."

Melissa George concedes that Sadie was unconventional, even by Grey's Anatomy standards. But recent episodes had revealed a calmer, gentler side to her.

"When you take out your insides and you're hitting on every guy and girl in the hospital… you have to pull back," her portrayer suggests.

"She's a doctor. You have to be professional. For her, she had to stop doing that or else she would've been kicked out."

Is that a tease for Sadie's exit? George won't say, but she reveals that "it won't be a big send-off, but it's really cool what they do."

In other words, Sadie won't be banished to the parking lot with Hahn. What do you think of Melissa George leaving?

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.

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Grey's Anatomy Quotes

[walking by Izzie's room]
Meredith: Hot.
Sadie: Horny.

Sexual sorbet? Hahaha! I love it.

Bailey