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.

Mariska Hargitay has starred as the beloved Detective Olivia Benson since the show’s debut season, a role that's earned her numerous accolades, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Now, the show is wrapping its 26th season on May 15.