Katherine Heigl to Return to 'Grey's Anatomy'

After leaving viewers in suspense regarding the fate of Katherine Heigl's character Izzie on the popular ABC show Grey's Anatomy, they have finally found their answer. According to Reuters, sources have confirmed that Heigl's option on the show has been picked up, indicating that she will be returning for another season.

The show's season finale last month included a cliff-hanger ending in which Izzie, who had been diagnosed with stage IV metastatic cancer, flat-lined during the final few minutes of the episode. Heigl's character had previously undergone several successful surgeries to treat the cancer before the last one left her with what appeared to be short-term memory loss.

According to the Reuters report, Heigl has had her share of difficulties during her time spent starring in "Grey's." Her performance on the medical drama helped her score an Emmy in 2007 and spark her career in movies. However, she reportedly withdrew herself from Emmy consideration the following summer, attributing her decision to her character's lack of decent storylines.

Heigl was also rumored to have lobbied for a release from "Grey's" in order to refocus her efforts on her movie career.

A year and an intriguing storyline later, Heigl has reportedly declared that she wants to continue starring in the show. As the Reuters report points out, Izzie's terminal illness was central to the show's comeback and success in regaining its viewers' engagement.

Although it appears that Izzie will continue to be featured on "Grey's Anatomy," reports have indicated that Heigl's co-star T.R. Knight's role on the show has come to an end. Knight's character, George, was struck by a bus on the show's finale, leaving him in critical condition to flat-line simultaneously with Izzie as the last few minutes of the season came to a dramatic close.