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Arizona Robbins is making her grand return to Grey Sloan Memorial, but why did she leave in the first place? Keep reading to find out why Arizona Robbins left Greys Anatomy.

Greys Anatomyis ABCs medical drama following the personal and professional lives of interns, residents and attending surgeons at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle, Washington.Created by Shonda Rhimes, the show debuted in 2005 and spawned the spin-offStation 19. It has received over 38 Primetime Emmy nominations and is currently on its 20th season.

Dr. Arizona Robbins (played by Jessica Capshaw) was first introduced during Season 5. She was an attending pediatric and fetal surgeon at Grey Sloan Memorial, best known for her chipper demeanor and her tendency to roller-skate around the hospital. Arizona quickly became a fan-favorite character and began a relationship with Dr. Callie Torres (played by Sara Ramirez). The couple went on to get married and welcome a daughter named Sofia, but they ultimately divorced in Season 11. Shortly after Callie left Seattle, Arizona followed. She made her finale appearance in the Season 14 finale, but she did not leave the show for good. The beloved doctor will be returning in the upcoming Season 20 episode Baby Can I Hold You.

Its been awhile since viewers last the beloved doctor, so heres a refresher on what happened to her and why she left.

Why did Arizona Robbins leave Greys Anatomy? Arizona Robbins moved to New York City in the Season 14 finale be closer to Callie Torres and their daughter Sofia. The former couple had their fair share of ups and downs, but fans were always rooting for them. In the end, their relationship didnt work out and they called it quits in Season 11.

What followed was a bitter custody battle for Sofia that was heartbreaking to watch. Callie decided to move to N.Y.C. with her new girlfriend Penny Blake (Samantha Sloyan) and wanted to take Sofia with her. Not wanting her daughter to move across the country, Arizona fought for full custody and eventually won. After seeing how distraught her ex was, however, she let Callie take Sofia. Not long after, Arizona also moved to N.Y.C. and it was implied that Callie and Penny broke up.

According to a 2018 report by Deadline, the decision to write Arizona off was based strictly on the shows creative direction. Jessica Capshaw shared a statement on Instagram at the time, writing: For the past ten years I have had the rare privilege of not only playing Arizona Robbins, but also being madly in love with playing her. She added, Arizona Robbins is kind, intelligent, funny, insightful, bold, playful, fierce and really good at her job. She was one of the first members of the LGBTQ community to be represented in a series regular role on network television. Her impact on the world is forever.

I am grateful that I have gotten to bring her to lifeand for the life that she has brought to me, the actress continued. I am so sad to see her go, but I am consoled by the idea that she will continue to live on and on in all our consciences and imaginations. Shonda,thank youfor the ride on this incredible rollercoaster.

Now, Arizona is returning to Greys Sloan Memorial to help out with a particularly complicated case, per the episodes official description. While Callie will not be returning, showrunner Meg Marinis did tell TVLine that fans can expect an update on their relationship.

Greys Anatomy airs on ABC on Thursdays at 9/8c and streams on Hulu.

For more on Greys Anatomy, check out this gallery on the casts salaries.

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Why Did Arizona Robbins Leave Grey's Anatomy? What Happened to Jessica Capshaw? - Soaps.com