Two Grey's Anatomy stars set to leave show after season 22 finale

Grey's Anatomy fans are having mixed reactions after two stars of the show just announced their departure.

Now, viewers of the long-running medical drama will know that you shouldn't get too attached to the characters, since there's a good chance they might be killed off.

The TV show has been on air for over two decades, so it's no surprise that actors frequently move on, and not many stars have stuck around for the full run.

That doesn't make it any less sad when characters move on, and that's exactly the case for Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver, who revealed they are leaving Grey’s Anatomy after portraying the couple Owen Hunt and Teddy Altman for over 10 years.

But, while some fans are upset over the decision, others are actually celebrating and brutally calling Owen the ‘most hated character’ in the TV show's history.

Both actors took to social media on Wednesday (25 March) to announce the shock news and reflect on their time working on the Shonda Rhimes show.

The duo will sadly make their last appearances in the season 22 finale, airing on 7 May, so get your tissues ready.

Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver have announced that they're leaving Grey's Anatomy at the end of season 22 (Disney/Tina Thorpe)

Raver, 57, wrote on Instagram: “Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart.

"Sixteen years ago, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers. Since that day, it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life."

She gushed: "I am especially grateful to our current showrunner, Meg Marinis, for her leadership and heart, and I want to honor the immense talent of the showrunners who came before her, including Krista Vernoff, whose guidance helped shape Teddy’s journey through the years.

The stars announced the sad news in emotional social media statement's yesterday (Disney)

"I feel so fortunate to have worked under the brilliance of Debbie Allen, who not only mentored me but welcomed me into the Director’s chair. To my amazingly talented castmates and our formidable, tireless crew: playing in this arena with you has been a joy, and I will carry this company in my heart always.

"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."

While McKidd penned: "18 seasons. 18 years. That’s a fair stretch of a man’s life. I came over just hoping to get a shot… and somehow found a home. A family. A place that’s shaped me more than I probably realise yet.

"Playing Owen Hunt has been one of the great privileges of my career, in front of the camera and behind it. I’m deeply grateful to @shondarhimes for trusting me with him.

"Long before any of this, I was just a young actor from Scotland, grafting. Wondering if it was ever going to happen. Taking the knocks, the rejections… all of it. If you’re in that place right now, keep going."

He emotionally urged, "You never quite know where it’s leading. The work you’re putting in, quietly, when no one’s watching… it does count. So this is a goodbye… for now.

It's still unknown exactly how their story is going to end, so fans will have to wait and see (Randy Holmes/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

"It’s time to build something of my own from the ground up. To tell new stories and take everything I’ve learned here into the next chapter. I’m really proud of what we’ve built."

He also thanked the crew, cast, writers, and the fans for 'sticking with us' and for 'caring as much as you have'.

Raver first joined the beloved show in 2009, a year after McKidd. After three seasons, the actress left before returning in a recurring role in 2018.

Their two characters have always been intertwined after serving in the military together, and in season 14, their relationship became romantic, and they got married and have two children.

This season, the couple finalised their divorce, but their romance hasn't exactly stopped, leaving fans with questions over how exactly their story will come to a conclusion.

How have fans reacted to their departure?

As mentioned earlier, there's been a mixed bag of reactions to the characters leaving the show - specifically, Owen.

Over the years, there have been many social media posts dubbing the doctor as the show's 'worst character'.

According to fans, the reason for the hate is that the character can be 'manipulative and controlling,' hasn't treated Teddy the best, and simply 'needs therapy'.

One fan penned on social media: "‘No offence to McKidd because he seems like a nice guy, but GREY’S IS FINALLY FREE OF OWEN HUNT???"

While a second agreed: "Thank God! Most useless character ever!! Bye, Bye Hunt!! Teddy, you will never be forgotten."

And a third questioned: "But who will be the worst male character now?"

I guess we'll have to wait and see...