(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Patrick Dempsey says he shares a "deep emotional attachment" to his Grey's Anatomy co-star Ellen Pompeo.

The 45-year-old hunk has played neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd for seven seasons on the popular American television show. His character is in a relationship with Dr. Meredith Grey played by Ellen and Patrick loves working with the actress, explaining they have been through so much together.

"Ellen and I really have gone through a seven-year relationship," he told Elle. "There are a lot of emotions that a couple experiences: we have good days and there are bad days. We have a deep emotional attachment, so it is like you have a real relationship. As it were."

There have been rumours that Patrick will be leaving the show after he has finished shooting the eighth series. The star has enjoyed success on the big screen he can currently be seen in the latest Transformers movie and doesn't want to be typecast. Patrick has played a doctor for so long, that many people believe he does have some medical training.

"People do turn to me like they expect me to act like a doctor because of who my character is," he revealed. "I think from doing the show, if I was at an accident I could be calm and focus on stabilising the patient ready for the professional to come in. But I know not to try and give them brain surgery." (C) Cover Media