TV Guide Canada refutes rumors spreading around the Internet that Patrick Dempsey was among the Grey's Anatomy cast members said to be looking to leave the show.

As if.

However, after his character, Dr. Derek Shepherd, had to deal with the loss of patient Jen [played by Jennifer Westfeldt], the final straw comes when the doctor known as McDreamy learns at a deposition that more of his patients have died than survived.

That sends the depressed surgeon over the edge, and Derek decides to quit Seattle Grace. While some subsequent headlines would have you believe Patrick Dempsey is leaving not just Seattle Grace, but the show itself, the actor just laughs it off.

“Derek goes off on a little bit of a soul-searching bender, and then comes out the other side with the help of his fellow surgeons,” reveals Dempsey. “My character does leave the hospital, but I’m not leaving the series. I’d be stupid to leave.”

Phew.

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