Grey’s Anatomy: Sandra Oh Is Never Returning

Grey’s Anatomy is getting another season but doesn’t expect any appearances from Dr. Cristina Yang.

Grey’s will return but Dr. Yang won’t be making any appearances

The long-running ABC medical drama has been renewed for the 18th season, but Sandra who left the show eight years ago has made it clear she won’t be returning as the beloved Dr. Yang.

Sandra Oh who played the ambitious surgeon and Meredith Grey’s best friend said she has “moved on” from the role she left eight years ago

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Grey’s Anatomy – Moving On From The Role

Asked if there were chances of her character’s return, Oh who left the series in the season 10 finale, told the Los Angeles Times, “No. I love it, though, and this is also why I really appreciate the show … that I still get asked this.”

She explained that she had “moved on” from the role, saying “It’s very rare, I would say, to be able to see in such a way the impact of a character. In some ways, you do your work as a bubble and you let it go. I left that show, my God, seven years ago almost. So in my mind, it’s gone. But for a lot of people, it’s still very much alive. And while I understand and I love it, I have moved on.”

Fans believed that the mention of Cristina checking up on Meredith as she battled COVID-19 in season 17 was a hint towards the character’s reappearance in the show

Several Fan Favorites Return

Speculations for Cristina’s possible return were fuelled by the return of several fan favorites including Patrick Dempsey as Derek T.R. Knight as George, Eric Dane as Mark, and Chyler Leigh as Lexie, during season 17 as part of Meredith’s beach dreams while she battled COVID-19.

Because Cristina’s character still exists in the Grey’s universe – with her working in Switzerland- and a mention of her texting Owen to get updates about Meredith’s condition, fans theorized a possible return before the season’s end.

Grey’s Anatomy is the longest-running medical drama on television and Ellen Pompeo has been the highest-earning actress on TV since 2017

The show – currently airing its 17th season – is the longest-running medical drama in TV history will see Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, and James Pickens Jr return after lengthy negotiations that mean that Pompeo who became the highest-earning actress on television in 2017 has surpassed her previous deal of $20 million a year.