Grey's Anatomy: Who's Staying, Who's Leaving, and Who's New?

Throughout season 3 of Grey's Anatomy, two of the primary actors have been rumored to done with the show. Following the October incident where Isaiah Washington called T.R. Knight an anti-gay slur, both actors' security with the show had been in questioned. During the season three finale, there was no clear answer to who was coming and who was going. One thing was made clear to viewers, one if not more, cast members would be off the show in season 4.

Kate Walsh was the first cast member to be ousted from the show. Her departure is one for the better. The ABC network has been working with Grey's Anatomy writer, Shonda Rhimes, on a Grey's Anatomy spinoff. Kate Walsh will be starring as her Grey's Anatomy character, Dr. Addison Montgomery, in another medical television series called Private Practice. Taye Diggs will also be starring in the series, which is to debut fall 2007. Hopefully, there will be some interesting series crossovers between the two shows.

T.R. Knight almost has to return to Grey's Anatomy for at least part of season 4. His character, George O'Malley, is married to the new chief resident. There are even more questions surrounding the character's love triangle involving his wife and his best friend Izzie Stevens. Halfway through the season, there were rumors about T.R. Knight's departure from the hit television show. According to E! Online's Kristin, T.R. Knight will return in the fall to wrap things up.

During the final moments of the season three finale of Grey's Anatomy, Christina Yang (played by Sandra Oh) is seen ripping off a choker chain belonging to the Burke family. After the chain was off her neck, Christina Yang says "I'm free". This could be just one of the dramatic moments of Grey's Anatomy, but perhaps it is just a premonition for what is really to come.

It appears the show might have done away with Dr. Burke, who was played by the controversial Isaiah Washington. E! Online is reporting that Washington has been searching for a new job in both New York City and Los Angeles. If he is able to find a new job, it would take place during the upcoming season of Grey's Anatomy.

Even though one (maybe two) of the cast members will be leaving the show, there are rumors of a few other actresses joining the cast of Grey's Anatomy. First, Chyler Leigh has signed a contract. She has already appeared on the show and will play the role of Meredith Grey's younger sister Lacey Grey. Another actress, Tiffany Amber Thiessen, has been rumored to be joining the show this fall. Thiessen is rumored to play Dr. Derek Shepherd's sister, who happens to be a psychiatrist. With these two additions to the show, there might be some more dramatic moments for Meredith Grey.