'Grey's' Heigl rules herself out of Emmys

Katherine Heigl has ruled herself out of this year's Emmy race, blaming the Grey's Anatomy writers for not supplying her with good enough stories to warrant a nomination.

The actress, who was the shock winner of the best supporting actress award in 2007, has not put herself forward for nomination.

"I did not feel that I was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination and in an effort to maintain the integrity of the academy organisation, I withdrew my name from contention," she said in an apparent dig at the writers.

"In addition, I did not want to potentially take away an opportunity from an actress who was given such materials," added Heigl, who plays Izzie Stevens in the drama.

The actress has recently denied rumours she is thinking about quitting Grey's. Emmy nominations will be announced next month ahead of the ceremony in September.