Mums, we are devastated by this news. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jessica Capshaw (Arizona) and Sarah Drew (April) are set to leave Grey's Anatomy once the current 14th season finishes.

 

Say it isn't so! If you need some comforting words in the wake of this revelation, co-showrunner and executive producer Krista Vernoff said in a statement: "The characters of Arizona and April are permanently woven into the fabric of Grey’s Anatomy thanks to the extraordinary work of Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew.

 

"As writers, our job is to follow the stories where they want to go and sometimes that means saying goodbye to characters we love. It has been a joy and a privilege to work with these phenomenally talented actresses."

 

Jessica has been on the medical drama for the past 10 seasons. She played series regular Arizona for nine of those seasons. The character of Arizona, an openly gay paediatric surgeon, helped earn Grey's recognition from LGBT organisation GLAAD.

 

 

"For the past 10 years, I have had the rare privilege of not only playing Arizona Robbins but also being madly in love with playing her. Arizona Robbins is kind, intelligent, funny, insightful, bold, playful, fierce and really good at her job," Jessica wrote on Twitter.

 

"She was one of the first members of the LGBTQ community to be represented as a series regular role on network television... I am sad to see her go but I am consoled by the idea that she will continue to live on and on in all of our consciences and our imaginations. Shonda, thank you for the ride on this incredible rollercoaster."

 

Sarah, a.k.a. April, starred in the series for nine seasons, with eight of those being as a series regular. April's faith was often a focal point of her plotlines.

 

"Thank you for all of the love," Sarah wrote on Twitter, "I know you're sad. I'm sad too. I haven't really had the time to process this information. I've been with it for less than 48 hours, so I'm not ready to say my thank yous and give an all-encompassing statement about my nine years here. That will come later.

 

 

"For now, I'd like to say: I love you, and I love April, and her story isn't over yet."

 

Shonda Rhimes, the show's creator and executive producer, shared, "It’s always hard for me to say goodbye to any of my characters. Both Arizona Robbins and April Kepner are not only beloved but iconic — both the LBGTQ  and devout Christian communities are underrepresented on TV.

 

"I will be forever grateful to both Jessica and Sarah for bringing these characters to life with such vibrant performance and for inspiring women around the globe. They will always be a part of our Shondaland family."

 

Someone pass us the tissues, please!

 

At least we know Grey's will (most likely) be back. Even though it hasn't been officially renewed, the show will most likely return thanks to the fact that Ellen Pompeo (Meredith) has signed a two-year deal.

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