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Katherine Heigl takes a long leave from 'Grey's Anatomy.' Her idea or ABC's?

Heigl   

Katherine Heigl is talking a prolonged leave of absence from "Grey's Anatomy."

Gosh, is that applause we hear?

She's reportedly going to skip five episodes to shoot yet another romantic comedy, "Life As We Know It,"  directed by Greg Berlanti .

But this leave didn't have anything to do with her loud complaints last month about (boo-hoo) having to work 17-hour days. 

And the resulting smackdown from ABC President Stephen McPherson was not indicative of any network displeasure. 

Or was it?

"I think it's unfortunate," McPherson said of Heigl's comments during the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour. "It's not something I think you want to let consume you or your people because it is what it is. People are going to behave in the way they choose to behave."

And it probably also has nothing to do with Heigl withdrawing her name from Emmy consideration last year because she felt the material she was given was not awards worthy.

Nah, just a coincidence.

Except that my inside sources tell me that this "temporary leave" is an easy way to transition Heigl off the show without causing a big stink.  

Obviously, the leave is being presented like it was her idea. And maybe it was. 

What do you think?

Did we mention that there are three new doctors coming to work at Seattle Grace? Nora Zehetner, Robert Baker, and Jesse Williams are joining the cast as recurring characters.

If Heigl comes back, she may find someone else wearing Izzie's scrubs and putting their name on her locker.

More Katherine Heigl Dish:

Gerard Butler talks about romancing Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston. And Joan Rivers? 

Katherine Heigl, T.R. Knight leaving "Grey's Anatomy." Finally!

T.R. Knight wants OFF "Grey's Anatomy" stat!

How should Izzie die? You get to decide.

Is Katherine Heigl the new Julia Roberts? And why is that a bad thing?

Photo credits: WireImage

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Wow! Great news! I may even start watching Grey's Anatomy again.

I think she should be made to work at Walmart for a couple of years. Maybe she should talk to her former colleague, Isaiah Wachington, who was kicked off the show, and just lost his home.

Good for her. Grey's is a dog of a show and she's better off without it. Go Kat!

do you know anything about film biz? Heigl's leave for 'Life' was approved by ABC months ago and her schedule was announced in the trades. Big scoop.

My daughter and daughter-in-law have been JK+8 fans since the beginning. The story was incredible and I watched when they were here. In the beginning it was so neat to watch. They were/ are loving parents. I was a bit put off by Kate's berating Jon........Kudos to you Kate and Jon, you have created an amazing story, you and your family have become very wealthy and the futures of you children will be the best. Enjoy life.......I am so sick of seeing you. In this summer of extreme celebrity deaths, you both have graced more magazine covers than any of them.

Good riddance...please don't come back..Grey's does not need you...an ungrateful selfish whiner..who would still be in D movies if it wasn't for Grey's.

She died at the end of last season. So how can she come back? Are they planning a JR dream season.

Well it's about time!
To the brilliant Shonda, FYI!
No one likes the character of Izzy anymore.
Ms. Heigl is to blame for that.
I say Good Riddance.

What a ridiculous story. It has absolutely nothing to do with ABC. Personally I really like Heigl and the show will not be worth watching without her.

there was a funny story about this and other topics on TheLimeGreenScream,com

check it out. new celeb blog

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