Eric Dane leaving Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane has announced that he is hanging up his scrubs.

The 39-year-old actor - who has been playing Dr Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, in the medical drama for six years - revealed it is time for him to pursue other opportunities, reports TVLine.com.

Eric, who has appeared in movies such as Valentine's Day and Marley And Me, said: "I am extremely grateful to everyone at Grey's, ABC and Shondaland for the experience and memories I have had over the course of this run.

"It has been wonderful to work alongside and learn from a creative force such as Shonda Rhimes (the show's creator)."

Shonda said that the actor "did not come to this decision lightly, but after much consideration and conversations, he and I have decided that this is the right time for his storyline to end."

However, fans will be pleased to hear that McSteamy will be still be seen on the wards of Seattle Grace for some time until his departure.