Trending Now: Scots actor Kevin McKidd announces he’s leaving Grey’s Anatomy after 18 years as Dr Owen Hunt – Fans React

Kevin McKidd is set to leave Grey’s Anatomy after nearly two decades, calling his time on the show “one of the great privileges” of his career as he prepares to “build something of my own from the ground up”

Grey’s Anatomy star Kevin McKidd is preparing to step away from the long running hit after nearly two decades, marking the end of an era for one of the show’s most enduring characters.

The 52 year old Scots actor, originally from Elgin, Moray, has portrayed Dr Owen Hunt at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital since 2008, becoming a central character in the medical drama’s evolving storylines. Reflecting on his time with the series, McKidd described the role as one of the “great privileges” of his career.

Taking to Instagram to announce his departure with fans, he said: “18 seasons. 18 years. That’s a fair stretch of a man’s life. I came over just hoping to get a shot… and somehow found a home. A family. A place that’s shaped me more than I probably realise yet.

“Playing Owen Hunt has been one of the great privileges of my career, in front of the camera and behind it.”

McKidd also paid tribute to the people behind the show, including creator Shonda Rhimes, as well as the cast, crew and loyal audience who supported him throughout his journey. He added that he feels “really proud of what we’ve built” during his time on the series.

Looking ahead, the actor explained that his decision to leave comes from a desire to pursue new creative opportunities and challenges beyond the show that made him a household name in America.

He continued: “Long before any of this, I was just a young actor from Scotland, grafting. Wondering if it was ever going to happen.

“So this is a goodbye… for now. It’s time to build something of my own from the ground up. To tell new stories, and take everything I’ve learned here into the next chapter.”

His departure will follow the upcoming season finale, closing a chapter that has spanned almost two decades on one of television’s most successful dramas.

Meanwhile, co-star Kim Raver, who plays Dr Teddy Altman, has also confirmed she will be leaving the series, saying the role will “always hold a dear and special place” in her heart after 16 years on the show.

Reflecting on her time on the show, she said: “Playing Dr Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart. Sixteen years ago, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers.

“Since that day, it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life.”

She added: “Playing in this arena with you has been a joy, and I will carry this company in my heart always.

“To the fans, your unwavering devotion and support are the reason this show remains such a force. Thank you for making this set my place of magic and my home.”

Grey’s Anatomy focuses on the lives of surgical interns and their supervisors at Seattle’s Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, and has been on television since 2005 – with season 22 currently airing on Disney+.

The series has starred various faces over the years with Ellen Pompeo playing the lead character, and Patrick Dempsey and Sandra Oh also previously starring in the series. It also starred the late Eric Dane who died in February, less than a year after publicly disclosing he had been diagnosed with the progressive neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).