Sara Ramirez has quit the cast of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, having spent ten years as a part of the evergreen medical drama.

The American actress, who has played the role of Dr. Callie Torres since 2006’s second season, confirmed that she was departing the show on Thursday evening (May 19th), shortly after the twelfth season finale ended.

Sara RamirezSara Ramirez has played Dr. Callie Torres on 'Grey's Anatomy' for 10 years

“I'm deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at ‘Grey's Anatomy’ and ABC but for now I'm taking some welcome time off. Shonda's been so incredible to work for, and we will definitely continue our conversations,” the 40 year old actress said in a statement via Twitter.

“I send my love to Ellen [Pompeo], the rest of the cast & crew, and I look forward to always being a part of the Shondaland Family!”

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Ramirez had sparked speculation that she’d be leaving the show back in April, when she sent a tweet which said “that’s a wrap”.

Insiders reportedly understood that she was set for departure as her contract with the ABC show expires in June. However, many of the series’ fans have noted that the plotline, in which she departs for New York at the end of the episode, has left the possibility open for her character to return in the future.

Shonda Rhimes, the series’ creator and showrunner ever since it began way back in March 2005, praised Ramirez’s contribution to the series in a statement of her own on Thursday evening, saying that her “performance inspired me as well as millions of fans”.

“We wish her the best on her well-served time off. I will miss Callie tremendously, but am excited for what the future holds for Sara. She will always have a home at Shondaland,” she tweeted.

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