Tensions on the Grey's Anatomy set continue to be more dramatic than anything Meredith has ever dealt with onscreen. Just as rumours of Isaiah Washington's shaky future on the show begin to subside, contract disputes may be paving the way for another exit.
Katherine Heigl, who plays Dr. Izzie Stevens, has dropped out of negotiations with the show's producers over a salary dispute, reports People magazine.
"Katie is disappointed and hurt that [producer] Touchstone doesn't value her as much as her other co-stars, especially Sandra Oh and Isaiah Washington," a source tells the mag.
According to E!Online columnist Kirstin Veitch, Heigl is contracted to the show for three more years and will not be able to leave without major legal headaches. ABC offered to bump her salary as a sign of good will, but the actress was reportedly dismayed to learn that she would still be getting less money than other members of Grey's Anatomy's supporting cast.
ABC Touchstone TV released a statement, saying, "Katherine is an integral part of Grey's Anatomy and its success. Fortunately, we have a long-term contract to ensure she'll be with the show for several years to come. In recognition of her tremendous talent and value to the show, we recently approached Katherine with an offer to raise her compensation significantly above the terms of her current contract. We were surprised to see this gesture reported negatively in the press, and want to reassure fans that she will continue as Izzie Stevens."
Dose.ca's Academy Awards 2007 Coverage
This Week's TV Best Bets
Video: Watch What You Missed on TV - Tuesday Night Edition TV Listings TV teaches me things Video: Celebrity Friends with Benefits
© (c) CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc.
