Nina Dobrev to Return to 'The Vampire Diaries' for Series Finale

Nina Dobrev will indeed return for the series finale of “The Vampire Diaries,” the actress revealed Thursday.

The former leading lady of The CW’s vampire drama had been rumored to return for several months, though there was always a question if it would really happen.

“I know it’s Thursday, but this is not a TBT. #BackOnSet #TVDForever,” Dobrev shared on Instagram, along with a photo of the series finale script with her name on it, effectively removing all doubt.

Also Read: 'Vampire Diaries' Star Michael Malarkey Teases 'Big Deaths' in Final Season (Video)

According to the photo, the series finale episode is titled “I Was Feeling Epic” and was written by the show’s original co-creators and showrunners, Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson.

“I’m thrilled to bring this show to an end the way we always intended – with Nina back to help us say goodbye,” Plec said in a statement, with Williamson adding, “I’m so excited to have Nina back to ensure our farewell episode is truly epic!”

Dobrev, who played Elena Gilbert, the main character on “The Vampire Diaries,” since Season 1, left at the end of Season 6. “I always knew I wanted Elena’s story to be a six-season adventure, and within those six years I got the journey of a lifetime,” she said at the time.

Also Read: 'Vampire Diaries' to End After Season 8 (Video)

The show lasted two more seasons without its leading lady, and will come to an end with the Season 8 finale, set to air Friday, March 10 at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.

I know it’s Thursday, but this is not a TBT. #BackOnSet #TVDForever

A photo posted by Nina Dobrev (@ninadobrev) on Jan 26, 2017 at 9:19am PST

17 Breakout TV Stars to Watch for In 2017, From Ricky Whittle to Rose Leslie (Photos)

Another year, another crop of TV stars ready to steal audiences' hearts and attentions. Here are 17 up-and-comers we're keeping an eye on in 2017.
Camila Mendes, "Riverdale"
The entire cast of The CW's teen drama are about to become huge stars, but our safe bet is on Mendes, the new Veronica Lodge, the troubled bad girl whose arrival in town coincides with some big changes for Archie and his friends.
The CW
Corey Hawkins, "24: Legacy"
Stepping into Kiefer Sutherland's shoes is no small task, but could reap big rewards for Hawkins, who's been poised for a breakout since last summer's hit "Straight Outta Compton."
Fox
Sonequa Martin-Green, "Star Trek Discovery"
We don't know anything about the new "Star Trek" series ... but it's a new "Star Trek" series, and if you're the star of it, you're going to have a big breakout moment.
Getty
Ricky Whittle, "American Gods"
Bringing a sizable fanbase from "The 100" with him, Whittle is set to endear a whole new set of rabid fans in Bryan Fuller's Neil Gaiman adaptation.
Starz
Rachel Keller, "Legion"
After impressing Noah Hawley on "Fargo," the showrunner is giving Keller an even bigger breakout platform, as the female lead opposite Dan Stevens in FX's X-Men superhero series.
FX
Finn Jones, "Iron Fist"
Marvel's latest superhero will do his best to keep up with the likes of "Daredevil," "Jessica Jones" and "Luke Cage," all of whom have been breakout stars and critical and fan favorites.
Netflix
Adria Arjona, "Emerald City"
"Wizard of Oz" fans, get ready to meet your new Dorothy. From director Tarsem, NBC's new fantasy drama should be visually stunning if nothing else.
NBC
Jermaine Fowler, "Superior Donuts"
CBS has been high on the stand-up comedian and retooled this sitcom for him twice before ordering it to series - time for the world to see Fowler's talents.
CBS
Rose Leslie, "The Good Fight"
This "Game of Thrones" alum no longer has to share the spotlight with a cast of thousands as the lead of CBS All Access' "The Good Wife" spinoff.
CBS
Jacob Lofland, "The Son"
As the younger version of the central character, Lofland is central to the sprawling Texas-set family drama, setting the groundwork for his character to grow up to be Pierce Brosnan.
AMC
Allison Tolman, "Downward Dog"
After her impressive turn on "Fargo," it's about time Tolman got her own show - hopefully that talking pooch doesn't hog all the limelight.
ABC
Austin P. Mckenzie, "When We Rise"
The Broadway alum plays a young LGBT activist in Dustin Lance Black's chronicle of the early days of the gay movement.
ABC
Logan Browning, "Dear White People"
The Justin Simien movie made Tessa Thompson a breakout star, and Browning is set to take over the role in the Netflix series.
Netflix
Dylan Minnette, "13 Reasons Why"
The "Goosebumps" star plays the lead in the long-gestating Jay Asher YA novel, from producer Selena Gomez.
Getty
Pearl Mackie, "Doctor Who"
The new Doctor's Companion should prepare herself to become a star. Just ask her predecessors Karen Gillan and Jenna Coleman.
BBC
Freddie Stroma, "Time After Time"
After endearing audiences on "UnREAL," Stroma takes a lead role as H.G. Wells in Kevin Williamson's "Time After Time."
ABC
Jodie Comer, "The White Princess"
The star of the sequel to "The White Queen" could find herself becoming the next Rebecca Ferguson.
Starz