Returning to 'Grey's Anatomy' would be distracting for fans: Katherine Heigl

"Grey's Anatomy" alum Katherine Heigl says she is unsure about coming back to the hit medical drama as it would have a jarring effect on the fans.

Heigl, who played Dr Izzy Stevens for the first six seasons, left the ABC show in awkward circumstances following a series of disagreements with creator Shonda Rhimes and the writing team.

"I don't know. I don't know if I would or if I wouldn't. I almost feel like that would almost be distracting again to what they've done with that show in the seven years since I left... and what that's become and what it is to the fans now," the actor told Entertainment Tonight when asked about a possible return.

"It must feel like it would just be like, 'Yeah, we already let that go... why are you here?'" Heigl wondered.

She will next be seen reprising her character on "Suits", Samantha Wheeler, in the legal drama's ninth and final season.

"Suits" will air on July 17.