Dempsey’s on set ‘diva antics’

Patrick Dempsey is reportedly in hot water with Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes due to his “diva” antics.

The 49-year-old actor, who has played Dr Derek ‘McDreamy’ Shepherd since the show began in 2005, is said to be appearing in less and less episodes of the medical drama after being “suspended” due to ongoing conflict with Shonda.

And while his character is now back onscreen after his storyline took him to Washington, DC, which saw him leave for a number of episodes, it’s not in a full-time capacity and likely won’t be anytime soon despite the fact he signed a two-year contract in January 2014.

“Patrick has been acting like a diva and has clashed with Shonda. She suspended him for a while, and the word on set is that he isn’t coming back full time,” a source close to the show told Page Six.

“Given all the past problems with Katherine Heigl and Isaiah Washington, there is little tolerance on the show for troublesome talent.”

Shonda previously hinted at trouble with the star during an interview with Entertainment Weekly in January. Addressing Derek’s DC storyline, she made it clear that Patrick wouldn’t be appearing back onscreen “for a while”.

“It’s highly possible that we might not see Derek for a while… There will be a time when you see him again, yes, but it’s probable that you won’t see Derek for a while,” she explained of what the insider source is calling his “suspension” from the show.

According to those in the know, Patrick’s comment back in November that he was “looking forward to the next thing, creatively”, adding that he hoped to leave the show, “very soon”, did nothing to help relations between him and Shonda.

However, Patrick’s rep has refuted Page Six’s claims, telling the website in no uncertain terms, “I can confirm that this story is not true.”