Grey's Anatomy finally says goodbye to 'most hated' character but not everyone is impressed

Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital's 'most hated' medic has said their final goodbyes.

Following 22 seasons on Grey's Anatomy, actor Kevin McKidd departed from the cast of the much-loved drama.

The 52-year-old has played Owen Hunt on the show since 2008, when his character was introduced during season 5 as an Army trauma surgeon and Iraq war veteran, who joined the fictional hospital's roster of staff.

McKidd was only contracted to play Dr Hunt for several episodes, but was quickly upgraded to a series regular.

Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes announced earlier this year that both McKidd and his on-screen partner Kim Raver, who plays Dr Teddy Altman, would be resigning from the show during the May season finale, which aired last night.

Dr Hunt joined Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in 2008 (ABC)

Sharing a snap of the duo on Instagram on Thursday (7 May), Rhimes wrote: "Tonight, I’m filled with gratitude for everything these two characters have meant to the show and to the fans who grew alongside them.

"@therealkmckidd and @kimraver gave Owen Hunt and Teddy Altman depth, humanity, and a chemistry that made every moment feel real. Through every heartbreak, every setback, every fight, and every reconciliation, they reminded us that love is rarely perfect…but it’s passionate, it’s real, and sometimes the most complicated journeys lead us exactly where we’re meant to be."

She added: "Thank you both for every unforgettable scene, every tear, every triumph, and every piece of your hearts you gave to Grey Sloan.

Approached for comment by Deadline earlier this year, insiders close to the show claimed the exits of both McKidd and Raver - who joined the ever-changing cast in 2010, appearing in a total of 12 series - had been the result of 'creative decisions'.

Not all fans are said to see Dr Hunt go (David Livingston/WireImage)

In a new statement, Raver described her role as an 'incredible privilege' and a 'true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life'. She added that the medical drama 'will always hold a dear and special place in my heart'.

McKidd, who just so happens to be Grey's Anatomy's longest-serving series regular, also reflected: "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.

"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."

Despite the nature of the news, McKidd's departure has sparked a mixed reaction from die-hard fans of the show, many of whom have long taken issue with several of Dr Hunt's controversial character traits.

McKidd and Ravers have made their last on-screen appearances (ABC)

More specifically, many have raised grievances with the way that he's treated Teddy in the past, as well as his role in the catastrophic plane crash that killed fan favourites Mark and Lexie.

As such, some have celebrated the prospect of a Dr Hunt-free show going forward.

"Big day for greys fans who hate Owen Hunt," one X user joked.

Another teased: "It only took 17 years but Own Hunt is finally gone."

A third added: "Owen Hunt finally leaving after terrorising our screens for 18 years, we free, everyone cheered."

"An Owen Hunt-less Grey’s Anatomy… truly never thought I would see the day," a fourth continued.

A fifth went on to jibe: "No offence to McKidd because he seems like a nice guy, but GREY’S IS FINALLY FREE OF OWEN HUNT???"