Katherine Heigl Takes a Vacation

Just a few weeks back, Katherine Heigl was complaining about the hours she had to put in on the "Grey's Anatomy" set. Well, now it looks like she won't have to put in as many as she thought.

Radar Online says that the actress won't appear in five episodes of the ABC drama this season. There are no hard feelings, though. Instead, she is taking a leave of absence to film the upcoming romantic comedy "Life as We Know It."

There's no word on how the show will explain where Izzie has gone. However, the rumor is that her absence will overlap with Ellen Pompeo's maternity leave.

"Grey's Anatomy" will kick off its next season (with both actresses) on September 24 on ABC. -- Rachel Cericola