With the death of husband Derek Shepherd played by Patrick Dempsey, is there another chance for Ellen Pompeo's Meredith to find another love in "Grey's Anatomy?"

E! News reported that Martin Henderson was hired as a series regular for "Grey's Anatomy" season 12.

"While major details about Henderson's role are being kept under wraps, we do know he'll be playing a surgeon," the article said. "Of course, Henderson is no stranger to Shonda Rhimes fans, as he was the star of Off the Map, her short-lived 2011 series for ABC, on which he also played a doctor."

Shonda Rhimes, meanwhile, did not talk about Ellen Pompeo's Meredith getting a new love next season of "Grey's Anatomy" but she said that Derek's death has placed her in a situation where she has to stand on her own.

"This is the first time that's happened for her in a long time," Rhimes told The Hollywood Reporter.

She explained, "For Meredith, this journey is really about her coming into her own as a surgeon, figuring out who she is and who she wants to be, standing on her own two feet and trying to be her own person for the first time without the support of Cristina (Sandra Oh) and without the support of Derek."

In a statement to E! following the shocking death of Patrick Dempsey's character in "Grey's Anatomy," Derek Shepherd, Shonda Rimes said, "Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character-for Meredith, for me and for the fans. His loss will be felt by all."

"Now, Meredith and the entire Grey's Anatomy family are about to enter uncharted territory as we head into this new chapter of her life. The possibilities for what may come are endless. As Ellis Grey would say: the carousel never stops turning."

It was reported that Patrick Dempsey and Shonda Rimes have been feuding on set which was the reason why the producer decided to kill off the husband of Ellen Pompeo's Meredith on "Grey's Anatomy."