'Grey's Anatomy' Announces Return of Major Character After 17 Years

Grey's Anatomy Season 21 is gearing up for a major blast from the past. Kali Rocha, who played Doctor Sydney Heron in the early seasons of the show, will return in the upcoming season, according to Deadline.

Rocha first appeared on Grey's Anatomy Season 2 as Doctor Heron, the substitute chief resident, while Bailey (Chandra Wilson) was out on maternity leave. She continued as a recurring character for Season 3 and Season 4. Sydney's trademark was her chipper attitude and never-ending energy. We'll see if that remains true when the character returns for three episodes in Season 21. Footage of the new season was shown for fans who attended the Grey's fan panel at D23 in Anaheim on August 10, revealing that Baily slapped Catherine Fox (Debbie Allen) after their season-ending confrontation in the conference room. Could Sydney be coming back to substitute for Bailey yet again?

Related: Everything to Know About Grey's Anatomy Season 21

Rocha is not the only addition to Season 21. It was previously announced that Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist alum Michael Thomas Grant will also join the cast as James, the hospital's new gay chaplain who is ready for love. Grant will help to fill out the holes left by Jake Borelli and Midori Francis exiting the series next season.

There will be more familiar faces in Season 21 as well. Deadline also reports that the new season will have an increased presence from Ellen Pompeo and Scott Speedman, who both stepped down to recurring characters in Season 20. As far as we know, Meredith and Nick will continue living in Boston. Still, Meredith ended the season by releasing her and Amelia's (Caterina Scorsone) Alzheimer's research, so now she will have to defend it from being stolen by Catherine and Koracic (Greg Germann).

Grey's Anatomy returns Thursday, September 26 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

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