7/16/2008

in

Despite turmoil, Heigl will continue with the Emmy Award-winning show.

Meghan Moynihan

Though she previously voiced her displeasure about the quality of recent scripts on *Grey's Anatomy*, Katherine Heigl will be remaining on the show this season, the Associated Press reports.  
  
Despite winning an Emmy Award last year for her role as Dr. Izzie Stevens on *Grey's Anatomy*, rumors that Heigl was hoping to leave the ABC drama began last month when she did not submit her name for Emmy consideration. Heigl claimed at the time that she had "not been given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination."  
  
ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson sought to eliminate these rumors Wednesday at the Television Critics Association, claiming that Heigl is "absolutely staying with the show." He added that there is "an unbelievable story line for her this year, which is really central to everything that's going to go on this season."  
  
Defending the work of series creator Shonda Rhimes and *Grey's Anatomy* writers, McPherson said that it is "unfortunate when there's any kind of turmoil on a show," but that he believes it to be "a beautifully written, beautifully acted, beautifully produced show." He added that everyone involved deserves "an enormous amount of credit."  
  
Nominations for the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Thursday.  
  
A spokeswoman for the *Grey's Anatomy* actress said that Heigl had no comment.