Heigl has been dogged by rumours of a departure from the show ever since she landed her movie break-out role in 2007’s Knocked Up.
After taking a three-month hiatus from the hit medical drama, Heigl finally announced in March (10) that she will no longer be a part of the series – because she wants to focus on being a mum to adopted daughter Naleigh.
The 31 year old is adamant she has not fallen out with her former colleagues – insisting she’s desperate to meet Ellen Pompeo’s baby daughter Stella Luna.
She tells Entertainment Weekly, “Ellen (Pompeo) and I text a lot. I’m still waiting to meet Stella Luna. And Justin (Chambers) and I have been texting. Chyler Leigh is one of the most amazing young women. Just unbelievably lovely and supportive.
“These are my friends. They’re kind of family at this point. I spent more time with them over the past six years than I did with my own family. So I’m going to miss that.”
