Why Did Abigail Spencer Leave Grey's Anatomy As Megan Hunt?

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Abigail Spencer was introduced during Grey's Anatomy season 14 as Dr Owen Hunt's (played by Kevin McKidd) sister Megan Hunt. She left at the end of series 15 and hasn't been seen for a few years but now she will be back at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in the upcoming 19th run of the ABC drama. But given how she made her exit, fans had hoped she and Nathan Riggs (Martin Henderson) had finally got their happily ever after.

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WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Grey's Anatomy.Megan was in the US Army as a trauma surgeon alongside Owen, Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) and Nathan.

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She was in two seasons of Grey's Anatomy when she decided to leave with Nathan to start a new life with him and Syrian refugee son Farouk in Los Angeles.

So viewers have believed that the couple had remained together since making their departure.

But seeing as actress Spencer is returning and not Henderson, this could strongly signal that they are no longer a couple.

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Why did Abigail Spencer leave Grey's Anatomy as Megan Hunt? (Image: ABC)

Grey's Anatomy: Megan was a trauma surgeon with Owen, Teddy and Nathan. (Image: ABC)

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Why did Abigail Spencer leave Grey's Anatomy as Megan Hunt?

After making an exit from a show, some actors are open about what happened and why they left.

Unfortunately, Spencer did not speak up at the time about why she was departing.

However, actor Henderson did speak to Deadline about him leaving the show.

His interview gives an indication as to what went on behind the scenes which meant they both left.

Grey's Anatomy: Megan Hunt is played by actress Abigail Spencer. (Image: GETTY)

Grey's Anatomy: Megan will return in the season 18 premiere. (Image: ABC)

When asked if he had any say in how Nathan went out of Grey's Anatomy, Henderson explained: "It doesn’t work that way in Shondaland. It’s handed down.

"If there are certain concerns or tweaks in a scene, the writers are open to hearing your thoughts and collaborating, but the direction of the major storyline is decided on high.

"I only had a short-term contract with the show.

"This is my final year so I was expecting Nathan’s storyline to be wrapped up.

"Bringing in Megan and tying up loose ends, provided a reason."

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While the exact reason isn't known, there is a chance Spencer was also on a short-term contract which meant she had to go.

But fear not as Spencer will be returning for the latest season of Grey's Anatomy which starts on Thursday, September 30, on ABC in America.

It isn't known how she will be reintroduced in the series just yet.

However, Spencer is going to be reprising her role of Megan from the very beginning and will feature in the series 18 premiere.

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Grey's Anatomy season 18 will kick off with an episode called Here Comes the Sun.

The synopsis reads: "The Grey Sloan doctors treat a patient who encountered illegal fireworks.

"Bailey has her sights set on hiring new doctors, but she's having trouble finding viable options.

"Owen and Teddy attempt to take the next step in their engagement."

Grey's Anatomy season 18 premieres on Thursday, September 30, on ABC. A UK release date hasn't yet been announced.

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