AceShowbiz - Kelli Giddish is making a much-anticipated return to the beloved NBC crime drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (SVU) for its 26th season. The actress, who portrayed Detective Amanda Rollins, was spotted filming in New York City on Wednesday, September 4, creating buzz and excitement among fans and cast members alike.

Giddish originally left the show midway through Season 24 in December 2022, after an impressive 11-season run. Her character's exit was marked by significant moments, including a courthouse wedding with Assistant District Attorney Dominick Carisi (Peter Scanavino) and a career shift to teaching at Fordham University. However, she has maintained a recurring presence, making multiple cameo appearances since her departure.

In the most memorable return during Season 24's finale, part of a crossover event with "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Organized Crime", Rollins revealed she was pregnant, expecting her first child with Carisi. The season 25 premiere saw Rollins and Carisi celebrating the baptism of their newborn son Nicky. Rollins' return was well-received by fans, who saw her assisting her long-time friend and colleague, Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), on an "SVU" case.

Giddish's upcoming guest appearance in season 26 marks her fourth return to the franchise since her initial departure. In her May guest spot, viewers learned that Rollins had quit her teaching job due to boredom and had been drawn back into the world of detective work. This return to form thrilled fans and characters alike, with Carisi noting, "You've got this spark in your eye. I haven't seen it since you left SVU."

Mariska Hargitay, who has played Benson since "SVU" premiered in 1999, expressed her deep admiration for Giddish. In an interview with Variety, she described Giddish as her "favorite actor to work with" and lamented not being able to prevent her departure. Hargitay added, "That relationship was one of the most powerful relationships in television because you saw these two badass women, so flawed and so there for each other."

Season 26 of "Law & Order: SVU" is set to return to NBC on Thursday, October 3, at 9 P.M. ET. As fans eagerly await Giddish's guest appearance, the dynamic between Rollins and Benson promises to deliver more of the compelling drama that has kept viewers captivated for over two decades.