Grey's Anatomy: Patrick Dempsey's difficult behaviour on set infuriates Shonda Rhimes; will Derek Shepherd die?

Is Patrick Dempsey's run on popular medical drama Grey's Anatomy about to come to an end?

According to Page Six, Dempsey's time on Grey's Anatomy could soon be up, with sources stating that his "diva" behaviour on the sets of the ABC show has infuriated creator Shonda Rhimes.

"Patrick has been acting like a diva and has clashed with Shonda. She suspended him for a while, and the word on set is that he isn't coming back full time," a source from the show told Page Six.

"Given all the past problems with Katherine Heigl and Isaiah Washington (both actors were written off the show by Rhimes), there is little tolerance on the show for troublesome talent," the source added.

Dempsey, who has played Dr Derek Shepherd since the series began in 2005, was last November written out of the show, explained by his character getting a job in DC. Dempsey has since only returned for brief appearances.

During this week's hour-long episode, Derek's whereabouts will finally be explained, as the Seattle doc witnesses a horrible car crash and lends a hand to three kids. But not everything they say, goes as planned, when the car bursts into flames. Will the explosion claim Derek's life? Check out the episode promo below to know more.

In last week's episode of the show titled One Flight Down, Derek, who has been working in Washington DC, missed a meeting with the president and had not checked in with panicked wife Meredith Grey. When she finally decided to call the cops, a police car pulled up in her driveway.

Dempsey has very openly discussed his Grey's exit before, telling the Portland Press Herald in November 2014 that he was leaving the show "very soon". (via US Weekly)

Grey's Anatomy season 11, episode 21 airs Thursday, 23 April at 8pm ET on ABC.

Click here to watch the episode online via live stream.