Paging Dr. Burke.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Isaiah Washington, who infamously parted ways with "Grey's Anatomy" after reportedly making homophobic remarks about one of his co-stars, will be reprising his role as Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC series.
"Grey's" creator, Shonda Rhimes, said that Washington's return will play a large part in the show's farewell to Sandra Oh character, Cristina Yang, who will be leaving the medical drama at the end of the season.
"It's important to me that Cristina's journey unfolds exactly as it should," Rhimes said in a statement. "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."
Washington's and Oh's character were at one point engaged in the series. He was last seen leaving Oh's character at the altar in the season three finale after realizing she did not actually want to get married.
Washington's return comes seven years after he was axed for reportedly making anti-gay remarks. The Hollywood Reporter stated that Washington called co-star T.R Knight a fa****. Washington claimed that he used that word during a fight on set with co-star Patrick Dempsey.
At the 2007 Golden Globes, Washington used the slur a second time while trying to defend himself. Washington apologized for his comments, calling his behavior "unacceptable in any context." He also commended Knight for his courage after he was forced to come out.
GLAAD, the non-governmental media monitoring organization which promotes the image of LGBT people in the media, is praising Washington's return to the ABC series. GLAAD also praised the actor for his role in director Patrik Ian-Polk's Outfest Fusion film "Blackbird".
"His PSA and his statements promoting marriage equality in recent years have sent a strong message of support for LGBT people," GLAAD said in a statement. "We look forward to seeing him return to one of our favorite shows, as well as in Patrik-Ian Polk's moving film Blackbird about a young man coming out in a small Southern town."
Washington's comeback episode will air in May. The actor was most recently cast in the CW drama "The 100."
Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on ABC.
