With Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo heavily pregnant, rumours have abounded that she will be taking on a reduced role on the upcoming season of the show and that this will lead to a break up between Meredith and Derek.

But fear not! The newly, sort of married pair will stay together, but they will fade into the background a bit to allow Ellen a bit of rest.

Executive producer Krista Vernoff told EW.com:

“I think we would be irresponsible writers if we didn’t give a woman who’s seven-months pregnant a little less time on her feet.

She’s waddling around seven-months pregnant about to push a baby out of her body. We have a responsibility to alleviate her screen time a little bit.”

However, Derek and Meredith won’t be leaving the show completely:

“It would be false to say that Mer and Der are no longer the focus of the series,” she added. “Derek and Mer will always be a focus of the series.”

Phew! I don’t think I would watch Grey’s without McDreamy to ogle at.