(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Patrick Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Oh are reportedly among those to have renewed their Grey's Anatomy contracts.

There had been speculation that some of the main characters on the long-running medical drama might not be back for a new season.

According to Deadline, that is not the case. The website reports contracts have already been signed by some of the show's biggest names, with the stars agreeing to appear in two more series of the programme.

Those who are thought to have inked deals are Patrick, who plays Derek McDreamy' Shepherd and Ellen, who is Derek's partner Meredith Grey.

Sandra portrays Meredith's best friend Cristina Yang, while Justin Chambers is also thought to have agreed a new deal. He is Alex Karev in the show, with all four characters original cast members.

Others thought to have renewed their contracts are James Pickens Jr., who plays former chief of medicine Richard Webber, and Chandra Wilson. She is outspoken general surgeon Miranda Bailey one of Grey's Anatomy's best-loved characters and both have also been with the programme since the beginning.

The signings will come as a relief to series creator Shonda Rhimes, who has already penned the final episode of the current season eight. It's reported she has left the ending vague in case some of the actors decided against appearing in a new series.

Last year, Patrick caused anxiety among his fans after he reportedly told Italian Vanity Fair magazine he would not be returning to Grey's Anatomy after season eight.

"It's gonna be my last," he said. "I do not know what's going to happen to the other characters, but for me it's done."

His representative quickly insisted his comments were taken out of context, as he was merely referring to the fact he hadn't signed a new contract. (C) Cover Media