Ellen Pompeo has not spoken to Patrick Dempsey after Grey's Anatomy exit

Patrick Dempsey's exit from Grey's Anatomy was one of the most controversial exits on television. Ellen Pompeo has now opened up about the status of her relationship with the actor after his departure from their hit series in 2015.

The 49-year-old actress admitted she has not been in touch with Patrick. During an episode of Facebook Watch's Red Table Talk, she said: "We haven't spoken since he's left the show, if that's... I have no hard feelings toward him. He's a wonderful actor and we made the best TV you can make together. That's a talented man right there. He did 11 amazing years."

"Typically, when people leave the show, they need to sort of find themselves, who they are without the show, because the show takes up so much of your life," Ellen added. "You need that time to figure out who you are without the show, we have not spoke, but I will always have a place in my heart for Patrick."

In 2016, Patrick had talked about leaving the ABC medical drama. His character Dr Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd was killed off in season 11 of Grey's Anatomy.

He told People that he overstayed in the show: "It had been long enough. It was time for me to move on with other things and other interests. I probably should have moved on a couple of years earlier. I stayed a bit longer than I should have."

The 52-year-old actor also addressed rumours that his diva behaviour had caused friction between him and the show creator Shonda Rhimes. However, he denied any bad blood between them.

"It was clear we were both ready," he said, adding that the show's creator treated McDreamy's exit in the most 'symbolic' way. "I thought it was really interesting. It definitely woke people up. And it was beautifully symbolic in many ways."