'The Vampire Diaries' season 8 spoilers update: Nina Dobrev returning in the back half of final season?

Nina Dobrev as Elena in "The Vampire Diaries" Annette Brown/The CW

Nina Dobrev is set to reprise her role as Elena Gilbert in "The Vampire Diaries" season 8 after all, at least according to her IMDB profile.

There, it is mentioned that the actress will make an appearance in episode 16 of the final season of the supernatural drama, where she starred as the female lead for six seasons.

When the star left "The Vampire Diaries," Dobrev promised executive producer Julie Plec to return for the conclusion of the series.

Earlier this month during the Television Critics Association Press Tour, The CW president Mark Pedowitz revealed that the actress has taken steps in keeping her word.

"There are discussions going on with Nina, we'd love to have her back...These are discussions that go on, hopefully she'll be back," Pedowitz said, via E! Online, adding that he "always likes to have Nina."

"She was a great person to have. She was a great spokesperson for The CW and for The Vampire Diaries. She made a career decision that, for her, was probably the right decision but we'd love to have her back," he went on to say.

Plec has expressed her interest to Elena back in "The Vampire Diaries" season 8. Like the fans, Plec is holding on to Dobrev's promise to return.

The EP has yet to say the nature of the return. For other familiar characters that will end up being part of "The Vampire Diaries," she is thinking of doing flashbacks.

As for Elena, she has not said anything about it yet. When fans last saw her, she was cursed with deep slumber. She will be in this state as long as Bonnie (Kat Graham) is alive.

It is believed that Dobrev's character was not killed off so she can return in "The Vampire Diaries." That being said, it appears that she might wake up from her sleep in season 8.

"The Vampire Diaries" season 8 premieres Friday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.

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