Series creator Shonda Rhimes has confirmed that Private Practice‘s current season will be it’s last.

The ABC show started in 2007 as a spin-off of the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. It currently stars Kate Walsh, 45, Taye Diggs, 41, Amy Brenneman, 48, Benjamin Bratt, 48, KaDee Strickland, 36, Paul Adelstein, 43, Caterina Scorsone, 31, and Brian Benben, 56.

Is Kate Walsh Leaving Private Practice?

“There was a lot of discussion and debate but, in the end, the guys at the network and the studio and I all decided that Private Practice was reaching its finish line,” Rhimes wrote via WhoSay. “Creatively, we are all extremely proud of the show and especially proud of this season — which you will all soon discover is a creative renaissance. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

She continued: “It’s heartbreaking to end. Truly. I feel so lucky to write for these characters and tell these stories and I truly feel this show has taught me so much as a writer. And there’s a family here, of crew and cast, people who have bonded over these past five and a half seasons. It’s rare for a show to go for more than 100 episodes and we are incredibly proud to have been such a show. And we’re grateful to all of you for spending time with us for an hour every week for the last 6 years. It’s meant the world.”

Middle-aged women across America are going to fall to pieces over this news. Oh, and my best gay friend.

[image: UsMagazine]

Actress Kate Walsh, best known for playing Dr. Addison Montgomery on “Grey’s Anatomy” and the spin-off “Private Practice,” is reportedly planning to leave at the end of the thirteen-episode sixth season of the medical drama.

Kate Walsh’s New Boyfriend Is Neil Andrea

Kate was allegedly ready to leave after five seasons, but after intense negotiations, she agreed to sign in for another 13 episodes. Co-star Tim Daly, who plays Pete Wilder, will not return for the sixth season of the show.

So if Kate decides to leave Private Practice, will the show’s creator Shonda Rhimes move on without her female lead? Probably not. Shonda already has a lot on her plate with the upcoming ninth season of “Grey’s Anatomy” and her new hit drama “Scandal” starring Kerry Washington.

[image: Nikki Nelson / wenn.com]

Private Practice star Kate Walsh is reportedly dating Neil Andrea after ending a short failed marriage to Alex Young (details here). The two were recently spotted together at several events and someone even overhead Kate introducing Neil as her boyfriend.

When asked about it, Kate said, “I’m not going to talk about that! I know you have to ask, but it’s super top-secret! It’s in the vault!” The 41 year-old actress does seem to be happier and they make a super hot cute couple. The third season of ‘Private Practice‘ premieres tonight (Thursday, October 1) on ABC (watch video below).

Private Practice 3×01 Sneak Peek Video

Private Practice star Kate Walsh is on the cover of the March 2009 issue of Redbook magazine.  In the issue she opens up about her brief 15-month marriage to Alex Young.  She also talks about turning to her friends for support in wake of her sudden divorce.

On her divorce: ”I don’t think anyone gets married thinking that they will get divorced. We certainly did not. Alex and I still care for each other, and I wish him nothing but the best. The silver lining to this, however, is that I have a wonderful family and a great group of friends who really showed their support and encouragement, and for that I am truly grateful.”

On her insecurity: “I second-guess myself all the time. I make a decision and then wonder if I made the wrong choice. Sometimes I come off as confident, but really I am a quivering little wharf rat underneath who is radically insecure and deeply in need of love and understand.”

On turning to her friends for support: “I have gone through ups and down, and it’s human nature for someone to judge and say, ‘Here’s what you need to do.’ But the most truly useful thing to do is to shut up and listen and tell the person that you’re there for them unequivocally.”

Kate seems like a great gal. Hopefully, she can chalk Alex up to a lapse of good judgement and be one bad apple closer to her McDreamy.

More Kate Walsh in Redbook

Private Practice star Taye Diggs is my favorite doctor on TV, the real doctor McDreamy! What can I say!?! I confess I have this huge unexplainable crush on Taye – it’s probably the seductive voice and how he carries himself…

The 37 year-old actor still got it and he goes shopping!! I don’t know many men that would actually go on a shopping spree alone. Too bad all his buttons are in the wrong hole… that just makes me wanna go and fix it for him!!

[images: WENN]