Knight out, but Heigl staying on ‘Grey’s’

Source says actress, producers have reached deal on new contract

Chris Pizzello / AP file	Katherine Heigl

Television video

Sesame Street turning 40
Nov. 8: Sesame Street marks its 40th anniversary on Tuesday on PBS. Msnbc's Alex Witt talks with In Touch Weekly's Tom O'Neil about the landmark TV show for children.

Sesame Street says it wasn’t trashing Fox News

Big Bird turns 40: Sesame Street celebrates anniversary

Shatner's poetry channels Levi Johnston

‘Sesame Street’ celebrates 40 years

updated 3:59 p.m. ET June 25, 2009

LOS ANGELES - Dr. George O'Malley is checking out of "Grey's Anatomy" but Dr. Izzie Stevens is likely to remain on staff.

A person with knowledge of contract negotiations with T.R. Knight, who plays George on the ABC drama, said Thursday the actor is leaving the show. The person, who wasn't authorized to discuss the negotiations publicly, asked not to be identified.

But the person said that negotiations with Katherine Heigl were more successful and she's expected to return as Izzie.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

The season finale in May left the fate of George and Izzie unclear, with both characters at death's door — or possibly beyond it.

A publicist for Knight declined comment. Heigl's representative did not immediately respond to an e-mail request for comment.