EXCLUSIVE: This is news Law Order: SVU fans — and series’ star/executive producer Mariska Hargitay — have been awaiting for two and a half years: Kelli Giddish is returning to the venerable NBC crime drama full-time, reprising her Amanda Rollins role as a series regular for its upcoming 27th season.

Giddish, who's first appearance as Det. Amanda Rollins on SVU was in season 13, is returning to the fan-favorite NBC procedural crime drama full-time for its upcoming 27th season. The former detective-turned-professor has appeared as a guest star in multiple episodes for both season 25 and 26 after her surprise exit in the middle of season 24.

Kelli Giddish is going to once again be a series regular on Law & Order: SVU, for Season 27, airing in the fall on NBC, reports Deadline. This news comes after Giddish has been recurring throughout Season 26.