Ellen Pompeo pens emotional message to fans about her shock exit from Grey’s Anatomy after 19 seasons

Ellen Pompeo might be leaving Grey's Anatomy after a whopping 19 seasons, but that doesn't mean she is gone for good.

And, uh, if you haven't cottoned on already, spoilers ahead for season 19 of the legendary hospital drama.

In a heartfelt goodbye message ahead of her on-screen departure, Pompeo teased fans with a hint that they haven't seen the last of her character Meredith Grey.

"I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you have all shown me, Meredith Grey and the show for 19 seasons," Pompeo wrote on Instagram.

"Through it all, none of it would have been possible without the best fans in the world. You all are riders and you all have made the ride so fun and iconic."

She added: "I love you madly and appreciate you right back."

But even though Meredith Grey is finally moving on to new adventures, it won't be the last fans see of her.

"This isn’t your first time on the rollercoaster," Pompeo wrote.

"You know the show must go on and I’ll definitely be back to visit."

Fans flooded social media to bid her character farewell and to share how the show changed their lives.

One fan commented on Pompeo's post: "I went to medical school because of Grey's Anatomy and here I am a M.D now, doing my residency in general surgery just like Meredith. I think I would have never ended up where I am now without watching Grey's Anatomy during high school. I owe you so much for depicting Meredith the way you did."

A second added: "You’re a star, thank you for everything. Meredith Grey has truly changed my life and I will forever be thankful for everything I’ve learned though you, her and the show."

A third said: "You have no idea how many people you have helped, inspired, and lifted up. Thank you so much."

Producers of the much-loved medical soap have spent the first chunk of season 19 setting the scene for Meredith's exit.

Pompeo's character will be written out via a clever and rarely-used plot device (jokes): an interstate move.

Grey will relocate to Boston to work on Alzheimer research, the very condition that led to the heartbreaking death of Meredith's beloved mother.

Now, producers have introduced a fresh-faced cast of interns that will grow into the next-generation of doctors at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

Pompeo is set to leave Grey's Anatomy as per the next episode on February 23.

She will, however, retain her position as the show's narrator and a guest appearance here and there, including the current season's finale.