‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 13 Cast, Updates: Ellen Pompeo Officially Returns, Earning $300,000 Per Episode?

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ season 13 is set to air in fall 2016, with lead actress Ellen Pompeo officially signed to return as Dr. Meredith Grey. She is reportedly earning a $300,000 per episode, making her one of television’s highest paid actresses.

The 46-year old actress signed a two-year contract with ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ back in 2014 and this expired on season 12, according to Variety. A representative confirmed that the 46-year old actress is set to return for the incoming season.

According to Cosmopolitan, Pompeo explained how her return to season 13 is essential to the conclusion the series. She said, "Shonda and I talk about it. We feel like we're in this together, and I think we don't want to do the show without each other. I think when either of us is ready, when we feel like it's time to wrap it up [we will]. When she feels like it's time to wrap it up, I'm happy to, and if I were to feel that way, she would probably be OK too. We have a good relationship in that way, and hopefully it's a decision we'll come to together."

The announcement came after Sara Ramirez’ abrupt departure from the series. Ramirez, who played Dr. Callie Torres, explained that she needed to take a break after being on the show for ten whole seasons. She broke the news on Twitter after posting, “I’m deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey’s Anatomy & ABC but for now I’m taking some welcome time off. Shonda’s been so incredible to work for, and we will definitely continue our conversations. I send my love to Ellen, the rest of the cast & crew, and I look forward to always being a part of the Shondaland family.”

Despite her exit, Rhimes expressed her support for Ramirez saying that she was “proud of her journey” and will always be welcome at “Shondaland”.

The series has undergone major cast changes since its premiere in 2005, with lead characters replaced with new ones in every season. Pompeo’s Meredith debuted in season 1 and continued to lead the cast until the recently wrapped season 12, which aired its finale on May 19, 2016. Original main cast members include Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, T.R. Knight, Patrick Dempsey, Isiah Washington, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr. and Justin Chambers but only Wilson, Pickens and Chambers remain on the show together with Pompeo.

Pompeo’s role on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ earned her a nomination for Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama in 2006. She also won a Satellite Award for Best Actress – Drama Series in 2007.