'Grey’s Anatomy's Debbie Allen Clarifies Ellen Pompeo's Last Episode, Future with Franchise (Exclusive)

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 star Ellen Pompeo, co-star Debbie Allen is sure this won't be her final time on the long-running medical drama.Speaking with ET's Nischelle Turner on the red carpet at the premiere of at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood on Monday, Allen opened up about Pompeo's exit — and some of the chatter from fans who were a little disappointed that her departure didn't get a bit more fanfare in the episode.«A lot of people have a lot to say,» Allen quipped. «You know, Meredith Grey is taking a journey to another direction, [but] she's still alive.

She'll still be coming back to the show. But she is definitely taking a departure.»«The truth is, it's not her last episode,» Allen explained. "[She's] leaving Grey Sloan [Memorial Hospital], not «That being said, Allen — who stars on the show, as well as serves as executive producer, alongside Pompeo — said her leaving has been „a big deal for all of us not to have her on set everyday like normal.“»But she's there.

I mean, she's still buying food trucks for the crew. She's still coming to judge bake-offs, she's still our number one on the call sheet," Allen added with a warm smile.Meanwhile, the actress walked the red carpet at the premiere on Monday in support of her sister, Phylicia Rashad, who stars in the hotly anticipated sequel.Allen also showed her support for Michael B.

Jordan, who not only stars as the titular boxer but also is making his directorial debut with the project.Allen herself has an expansive career as a director, having helmed episodes of dozens of TV shows — including 35 episodes of — and she knew how Jordan was likely feeling as his film made its grand premiere.«He's gonna be sitting in the back of that theater, listening for the audience reaction,» Allen.