Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo has responded to recent episodes which angered some fans of the TV drama.

Her on-screen husband, surgeon Derek Shepherd, played by Patrick Dempsey, died in last week’s episode, leaving many viewers shocked.

Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Dempsey (Matt Sayles/Invision)

Thousands of fans have signed a petition calling on the show’s creator Shonda Rhimes to resurrect his character.

Now Ellen – who plays Dr Meredith Grey – has tweeted and called on fans to support her character in her “journey”.

Patrick, who starred in Grey’s Anatomy for 11 years, recently told Entertainment Weekly: “The fans care deeply… Shepherd is a beloved character. People don’t want to lose him. He’s been in their lives for over 10 years.”