The ‘most hated character on Grey’s Anatomy’ is finally exiting after 18 years

Grey’s Anatomy will have a bombshell season finale (Picture: )

After 22 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, the long-running medical drama is still full of surprises as it confirms the exit of two major characters.

Creator Shonda Rhimes has confirmed on-and-off couple Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) and Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) will be handing in their stethoscopes in the season finale in May.

In a statement, she said: ‘Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Owen and Teddy’s love story evolve and deepen – two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other.

‘It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves.’

Sources told Deadline that the choice to bid adieu to the pair was due to ‘creative decisions’.

This is a huge shake-up for our ever-evolving cast, with Kim first joining the cast in season six in 2010 and, a few short breaks aside, has appeared in 12 seasons in total.

Kim Raver has played Teddy on-and-off since 2010 (Picture: ABC) Meanwhile, Kevin McKidd has played the dastardly Owen for 18 years (Picture: ABC via Getty Images)

What have Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver said about their exits?

In a heartfelt message commemorating her time on the show, she said it ‘will always hold a dear and special place in my heart.’

She called the role an ‘incredible privilege’ and ‘true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life’, extending a special thanks to current showrunner Meg Marinis ‘for her leadership and heart’.

After showering praise on executive producer Debbie Allen, the ‘amazingly talented castmates’ and ‘formidable, tireless crew’, she concluded her caption by thanking the fans.

‘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,’ she wrote.

Meanwhile, Kevin has earned his stripes on the iconic ABC drama as the longest-serving Grey’s series regular, equalled only by the original cast.

Despite a lot of love for the actors, fans have been waiting to shut the door on controversial character Owen for years (Picture: Walt Disney Television via Getty)

After coming on board in season five, he has appeared in 18 seasons in total across the same number of years.

‘Grey’s Anatomy has been a huge chapter of my life, creatively and personally, and I’m deeply grateful for everything the show has given me over the years,’ Kevin reflected.

Later adding: ‘As that chapter comes to a close, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead – building new work, telling new stories, and taking everything I’ve learned into the next phase of my career.”

And, finally, among other sweet sentiments, Meg said ‘this is never truly a goodbye’.

The fictional duo have been through several ups and downs over the year, falling in love, marrying different partners, having children, marrying one another and, earlier this season, divorcing.

But, with the promise of a happy ending on the horizon, could we see them get their acts together once and for all, come the season finale?

How have fans reacted to Owen leaving?

What happens remains to be seen, but in the meantime, fans have been shaken to their very core by the shock exits for better or for worse.

Owen has long been hated on by the fandom for the havoc he has caused (Picture: ABC)

Although there is a lot of love for actor Kevin, it’s no secret that his character Owen is quite notorious among the fandom for the way he has treated Teddy, his involvement in the plane crash that killed Mark and Lexie, destroying a couple of marriages and show-wide misogyny.

Over the years, there have been countless thinkpieces, Reddit threads and TikToks dissecting just why and how Owen is the ‘most hated character’ in Grey’s Anatomy history.

So it’s no surprise that fans are celebrating the character’s departure.

‘Big day for greys fans who hate Owen Hunt,’ X user Spookybuckley shared.

‘It only took 17 years but Own Hunt is finally gone,’ Sonia declared.

‘Owen Hunt finally leaving after terrorising our screens for 18 years, we free, everyone cheered,’ sloansavery added.

‘An Owen Hunt-less Grey’s Anatomy… truly never thought I would see the day,’ Zoe echoed.

‘No offence to McKidd because he seems like a nice guy, but GREY’S IS FINALLY FREE OF OWEN HUNT???’ Lindsey Marie shared.

Rejoice Grey’s Anatomy fans, you’re free! (Picture: ABC)

‘Wow Owen Hunt’s reign of terror is finally coming to an end,’ Liv agreed.

‘Me sharing that we are finally free of Owen Hunt in every group chat,’ Nora Dominick wrote.

‘No more Owen Hunt, we won!’ yoyokassie.

‘I don’t think Owen deserves a happy ending after all the trauma he caused other characters and me tbh… people lost their lives and sanity because of him,’ pook posed.

Beyond the anti-Owen Hunt brigade, more generally, fans are mourning the end of an era as the actors leave.

‘Oh sobs will adore Teddy forever – truly grew up with her – thank you for portraying her and being such a big big inspiration [with] everything you are doing,’ alieen.captures posted.

‘Thank you so much for bringing Teddy to life. She is and will remain a resilient and amazing character! I will miss her dearly,’ hausofmar declared.

‘Greys will always be your home Kim!! Teddy is such an amazing character and a legendary character and your impact on the show will remain on for many years, we’ll miss your Dr Altamn,’ tatiana.pmoreira added.

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