Can you imagine Rob Lowe as Patrick Dempsey’s McDreamy? (Picture: Getty)

Rob Lowe has explained why he’s glad he chose not to take on the role of Derek Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy, which was famously played by Patrick Dempsey.

In 2005, Grey’s Anatomy viewers were introduced to Derek – aka ‘McDreamy’ – in Shonda Rhimes’ hit medical drama, which stars Ellen Pompeo as the titular character Meredith Grey.