Back in March, it was announced that Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew — who play Dr. Arizona Robbins and Dr. April Kepner, respectively, on Grey’s Anatomy — would both be sadly leaving the hit medical drama after the current Season 14. And now, during an exclusive new interview with Closer Weekly, Grey’s executive producer and star Debbie Allen opened up about Jessica and Sarah’s upcoming exits.

“You can never replace people. That’s just not what happens. I love both of them… They’ve given up a lot to live up to, and love, and remember. This was a creative choice that was made, so that’s what we’re doing. It’s not something that’s unusual. It’s unusual for a show to go this long,” Debbie shared while promoting her new Dove Real Beauty Productions Film, An Hour With Her.

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Debbie also praised Sarah for landing a new post-Grey’s role on the upcoming Cagney & Lacey reboot. “It’s like, one chapter closes and a new book is written. That’s what’s going to happen for both of them because they’re so talented. We love them so much,” she told us. During her interview with Closer, the Fame alum additionally spoke out about the possible end of Grey’s Anatomy.

“I don’t see that right now. The train is so strong and the audience is so committed. It’s so global. I think the storytelling on Grey’s has never been better and that’s what it’s all about,” she gushed. We can’t wait to watch the rest of Season 14 — Grey’s Anatomy airs on Thursday nights at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

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