Ellen Pompeo throws some major shade at Patrick Dempsey.

Eleven seasons, ten years, 245 episodes together and all Ellen Pompeo has to say about her co-star Patrick Dempsey’s departure from Grey’s Anatomy is, “It’s amazing how much you get done without a penis.”

Talking to comedian and talk show host, Ellen Degeneres, Pompeo added, “We miss him dearly, but the show is doing very well.”

Pompeo, who plays titular character Meredith Grey on the hit surgical drama, said people were ‘really upset’ about Dempsey’s departure. Dempsey played Pompeo’s long-time love interest-turned-husband, Derek Shepherd, on the show until [SPOILER] his character was, in dramatic Grey’s Anatomy fashion, tragically killed off at the end of the last season.

"I think the change is part of the reason why the show goes on so long, because people tune in to see what does the show look like now, and what is Meredith going to do without Derek?," Pompeo said.

"They get so upset about the change, but change is precisely what everyone needs to get to the next place."

If by change you mean killing off an unrealistic number of characters, then yes, Ellen, you are correct. Seriously though, Pompeo's character Meredith has endured more melancholoy moments than any person, real or fictional, should ever have to endure. Her step-mum died from the hiccups. I mean, c'mon.

The latest season now centres around Meredith and her two 'sisters', half sister Maggie and sister-in-law Amelia. Like Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder, Shonda Rhimes' two other hit shows, it has become a celebration of female power and, for Grey's, a commentary on a woman's day to day life.

"For me too, it's how do I act without him? It's more challenging for me, I'm more invested, I have to work harder to find my groove without that missing part," Pompeo said.

"It keeps me more engaged. I'm more engaged this season than I have been in a long time, because for the fans I want to make sure the quality stays good."