Katherine Heigl takes break from 'Grey's

Katherine Heigl is taking a leave of absence from Grey's Anatomy, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The 30-year-old actress, who stars as Izzie in the ABC medical series, is reportedly taking a five-episode break from the show to shoot romantic comedy Life As We Know It.

Reports suggest that Heigl's absence will be explained on screen, although the story surrounding her departure has not yet emerged.

Heigl's future with the show has come under question in recent months. Rumours have been rife surrounding her potential departure from the series and she recently slammed the filming schedule as "cruel and mean". She was later reportedly rapped by ABC for her outburst.

Later this year, Ellen Pompeo will depart screens as she prepares to give birth to her first child.