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Another Grey’s Anatomy alum is returning to the show! Kate Walsh, who is best known for playing Dr. Addison Montgomery on the show, announced on social media that she will return to the ABC medical drama in season 18. Grey’s Anatomy fans are excited to see Addison return to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. However, another cast member is set to return for the new season as well.

[Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers from Grey’s Anatomy]

Ellis Grey returns to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Ellen Pompeo and Kate Burton sitting together on 'Grey's Anatomy.'
Ellen Pompeo and Kate Burton | Getty Images

Kate Burton played Meredith’s mother, Ellis Grey, in the first three seasons of Grey’s Anatomy. Ellis was a famous surgeon who was honored twice with the Harper Avery Award. She was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and died from the disease in season 3. 

Deadline reported that Burton would reprise her role as Dr. Ellis Grey for multiple episodes in season 18. It is unclear how Burton will be incorporated into the narrative. In 2019, Burton made an appearance in Season 15 Episode 16. During the episode, Ellis came to Meredith in a dream. 

Kate Walsh announces her return on social media

On Sep. 2, Kate Walsh posted a video of herself on Twitter, writing, “It’s really happening. Dr. Addison Montgomery will see you shortly 🩺💅 #GreysAnatomy @GreysABC @Shondaland @EllenPompeo.” Grey’s Anatomy fans couldn’t get over the fact that another fan favorite was coming back to the show. Walsh participated in a TikTok trend called “Questions I Frequently Get Asked.” The first question asked if she would ever return to Grey’s Anatomy – she replied yes and proceeded to sport a white lab coat. 

Walsh first appeared in the season 1 finale, which aired in 2005. Her character became a series regular until Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes created a spinoff series titled Private Practice. Walsh left the show in season 3 and became the leading front-runner in the spinoff series. Private Practice aired on ABC for six seasons before coming to an end in 2013. The show starred KaDee Strickland, Audra McDonald, Taye Diggs, Paul Adelstein, and Tim Daly. While still on Private Practice, Walsh returned to Grey’s Anatomy for a few guest appearances.

Will any former cast members return to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 18?

Martin Henderson, Sarah Drew, Kelly McCreary, and Jessica Capshaw wearing white lab coats in 'Grey's Anatomy.'
Martin Henderson, Sarah Drew, Kelly McCreary, and Jessica Capshaw | Getty Images
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Walsh and Burton are the only cast members set to reprise their roles in the long-running medical drama. The plot for season 18 remains under wraps, but the actors are set to appear in multiple episodes.

In season 17, many fan-favorites returned to the show. Throughout the season, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) was battling COVID-19 – while she was fighting for her life in a hospital bed, deceased characters paid her a visit on the dream beach. 

Just to name a few beloved characters, the dream beach included Meredith’s husband, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), Derek’s best friend, Mark Sloan, her sister, Lexie (Chyler Leigh), and Meredith’s best friend, George (T.R. Knight). While the return of additional cast members remains unknown, Chandra Wilson returns as Miranda Bailey alongside Pompeo, and James Pickens Jr. will play Richard Webber on the new season.

Grey’s Anatomy season 18 premieres on Sep. 30 at 9/8c on ABC.

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