Ellen Pompeo Returns for Key Episodes Amid Cast Drama

It’s official—Ellen Pompeo is back for at least seven episodes of the beloved medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy. However, behind the scenes, things might not be as harmonious as you'd expect. Exclusive sources close to Closer magazine are spilling the tea, revealing that some of her fellow cast members aren’t exactly thrilled about her return.

As the cameras roll for the upcoming season, insiders say that many of the cast members feel resentment toward Ellen. One insider shared, “The cast is set to begin filming soon, and whispers around the set suggest that most of them feel bitter about Ellen coming back, seemingly without much regard for their dedication and hard work over the years.”

A Surprising Departure and an Even More Surprising Return

Back in 2022, the 54-year-old Ellen Pompeo made headlines when she announced her departure from Grey’s Anatomy after an incredible 19 seasons. At the time, she candidly admitted, “My brain feels like scrambled eggs. I need to do something different.” This decision came despite a staggering $20 million annual salary for her role as Meredith Grey. But Ellen’s absence didn’t last long. She continued to make guest appearances and worked as an executive producer, keeping her ties to the show intact.

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Now, Ellen is back in action, this time on a part-time basis, set to appear in select episodes airing this fall. And it seems her return has stirred up some drama. According to an insider, “Many on the show feel that Ellen is leveraging her power as an executive producer to manipulate the show's leadership to further her own ambitions, without considering how it impacts the rest of the cast. This means more screen time and storylines for Ellen—and less for them.”

Is Ellen the Savior of Grey’s Anatomy?

Since Ellen’s departure, the ratings for Grey’s Anatomy have been struggling. According to sources, Ellen believes she’s the key to reviving the show's former glory. “She’s got a strong sense of righteousness about all the complaints she’s hearing. She genuinely feels like she’s saving the series, and the cast should be grateful she’s even come back,” the insider explained.

“Ellen also points out that the show wouldn’t exist without her. She’s simply taking the opportunity provided by the producers to remain part of the franchise. Unfortunately, neither Ellen nor her fellow cast members seem eager to mend fences, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere on set.”