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 originally joined “SVU” back in its 13th season as detective Amanda Rollins. She remained with the show as a main cast member until midway through Season 24. It was explained on the show that Rollins had married ADA Sonny Carisi Jr and then taken a teaching position.

In one of the show's most controversial exists, Giddish left as a series regular midway through season 24. Fans are looking at another Law & Order: Special Victims Unit cast shakeup — but this bit of news is one that's long-awaited.