Eric Dane out of Grey’s Anatomy

American actor Eric Dane has announced he is leaving Grey’s Anatomy and has thanked fans for their support.

The 39-year-old, who portrays the role of Dr Mark Sloan in the long-running medical drama, has thanked those behind the scenes and proclaimed the show’s creator Shonda Rhimes as a “creative force”.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone at Grey’s, ABC and Shondaland for the experience and memories I have had over the course of this run,” contactmusic.com quoted Dane as saying.

“It has been wonderful to work alongside and learn from a creative force such as Shonda Rhimes.”