InstagramBurke is back.
Grey's Anatomy fans were shocked by the recent announcement that Isaiah Washington would be returning to the series later this season, reprising the role or Dr. Preston Burke for the first time since his high-profile exit in 2007.
Now, star Ellen Pompeo gave fans their first look at Washington back in action on the set of the ABC drama, posting a photo to her Instagram account. "BURKE IS BACK #itsallgoodinthehood#burkeisback," she captioned the picture.
Washington, who currently stars on the CW's new breakout hit The 100, also took to social media to tease his return, posting a selfie (n scrubs!) with the caption, "#Day2 Done. #BurkeIsBack."
But it seems like not every Grey's fan was excited to see Washington scrubbing back in, as Washington later tweeted, "The 'haters' are coming at me like President Obama has won a third term. Didn't think my brand was that powerful. Thanks for noticing me."
So why is Burke coming back to the hospital after seven years? To help give Cristina Yang a proper sendoff, as Sandra Oh is exiting the series at the end of the season.
"It's important to me that Cristina's journey unfolds exactly as it should," Shonda 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."
And Dan Bucatinsky, Grey's consulting producer and former Scandal star, recently teased Washington's return, telling E! News that viewers will "be blown away with the manner in which it happens."
Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.