He left the show in controversial circumstances in 2007 but Isaiah Washington is now returning to Seattle Grace for one episode only.
Washington, who played Dr Preston Burke, left the show after using a homophobic slur in reference to co-star T.R Knight in an interview following the Golden Globes. However, Variety has revealed that the surgeon will be returning to the popular medical drama as part of long-term cast member Dr Christina Yang’s (Sandra Oh) departure storyline.
Washington was last seen in the show in season three, when his character called off his engagement to Yang on the day of their wedding. It is unknown whether the pair will reunite but creator Shonda Rhimes has said that the return of Dr Burke was “important” for Oh’s character.
“It’s important to me that Cristina’s journey unfolds exactly as it should. Burke is vital to that journey — he gives her story that full-circle moment we need to properly say goodbye to our beloved Cristina Yang.”
