‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 12 Update: New Doc Signs Up, More Couple Shake-ups Expected (Spoilers)

“Grey’s Anatomy” Season 12 production is making some casting progress. In a move that is believed to be an attempt at burying the memories of McDreamy, the showrunners hired a new doc. Shonda Rhimes and company got Martin Henderson (“Secrets & Lies” and “Off the Map”) to join the cast of the show’s new season.

Spoiler alert: This update contains “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 11 spoilers. Read on at your own risk.

Patrick Dempsey’s Derek Shepherd a.k.a. McDreamy will be history by the time “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 12 premieres on ABC. At least one new doctor is coming on board, and the next plot lines are expected to turn the viewer’s attention from the past.

In its report, TVLine said the details surrounding Henderson’s role are still kept under lock and key. Some fans are speculating that his character could be connected to Bailey (Chandra Wilson) who could be promoted to chief of medicine.

Derek Shepherd died after figuring in a road accident and landing in a hospital that is ill-equipped to manage his condition. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) pulled the plug because he had gone brain-dead.

“Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character -- for Meredith, for me and for the fans. I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our ‘Mcdreamy,’” “Grey’s Anatomy” show creator Shonda Rhimes said in a statement.

Meanwhile, more couple shake-ups are expected to develop in “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 12. For starters, the writer has to deliver an official Japril (Jackson and April) resolution. Jackson (Jesse Williams) decided he and April (Sarah Drew) should split since they are not sharing their lives with each other anymore. In contrast, Jolex a.k.a. Jo (Camilla Luddington) and Alex (Justin Chambers) decided to buy a home – one that is just for the two of them.

The story between Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) and Owen (Kevin McKidd) appears to be going somewhere, too. Calzona (Callie and Arizona) could have some closure or continuation. Callie (Sara Ramirez) is already dating and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) seems to be adjusting better with their separation.

It remains to be seen whether the new doc will affect any existing couples at Grey Sloan Memorial. The series is expected to return on ABC in September.

Let us know your thoughts on “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 12. You may email your comments at a.paredes@ibtimes.com.au.