Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes has denied reports Katherine Heigl and T.R. Knight will be leaving the hit hospital drama - insisting both stars will continue to work on the show.

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The pair has played doctors Izzie Stevens and George O'Malley on the program since it first aired in 2005.

Co-star James Pickens Jr. claimed earlier this week that both actors would be leaving their roles, telling Us Weekly magazine: "Yes, she (Heigl) is (leaving). Wherever Katherine goes, I wish her nothing but the best. (Knight is) going too. He just wanted to pursue other career paths."

But Rhimes is adamant the pair will remain a part of the hit series, insisting Pickens must have been misquoted.

She says, "That was a very interesting rumor. And it's not true. That was absolutely taken out of context. Things happen, and I think rumors become fact very easily. And you know I don't like to tell you what's going to happen on the show - but that is a rumor."

Pickens now also claims he was misunderstood in the magazine interview - and admits he has no idea whether the Heigl and Knight will stay with "Grey's Anatomy."

He adds, "We've been living with these rumous for a long time. When the question was posed to me, I was more trying to congratulate Katie and T.R. on whatever they were going to do. But yeah, I don't have any special info about it either way."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)