'Gay jibe' Anatomy actor dropped

Washington has apologised for his use of the homophobic insult

Actor Isaiah Washington will not return to US TV show Grey's Anatomy following his use of a gay slur, it has emerged.

According to ABC Television Studios, producer of the award-winning medical drama, his contract option has not been renewed for next season.

"I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore," Washington said in a statement released by his publicist.

The actor, who plays Dr Preston Burke in the show, did not explain his words - a quote from the 1976 film Network.

Washington, 43, was involved in a scuffle with co-star Patrick Dempsey on the set of Grey's Anatomy last year after using a derogatory term about their co-star, T R Knight.

The actor denied using the term at the Golden Globe awards in January, but received a rebuke from ABC for saying the word in public.

He has since received counselling and met with civil rights groups to discuss ways to address homophobia.

The season finale of Grey's Anatomy, shown in the US in May but yet to be broadcast in the UK, opened the door for the departure of Washington's character.