Nina Dobrev returning to Vampire Diaries? Filming 'xXx 3' as rumors of comeback with Ian Somerhalder swirl

 instagram.com/ninadobrev

While reports about the possible return of Nina Dobrev to "The Vampire Diaries" continue to exist, the 27-year-old actress is busy filming for the third installment of the "xXx" franchise.

Dobrev is currently working on the upcoming movie, titled "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage," together with lead star and producer Vin Diesel in the titular role, Samuel L. Jackson as NSA Agent Augustus Eugene Gibbons, Tony Jaa as Talon, Ruby Rose as Adele and Miss Colombia 2015 Ariadna Gutierrez in a still-unspecified role.

The movie is expected to be released in theaters on Jan. 20, 2017.

But Dobrev's fans are still looking forward to seeing her return to "The Vampire Diaries." Based on the answers given by showrunner Julie Plec in her special Entertainment Weekly article about the show, it would be easy to assume that they are all hoping to see Dobrev's character Elena back from her deep slumber.

When asked about the fate of Elena and Ian Somerhalder's Damon in the series, Plec said that "Damon is committed to being at Elena's side when she wakes up in however many years it takes, and he's going to do everything he can to make sure he still believes he's worthy of her."

However, the showrunner did not confirm or deny the speculations that Dobrev will return to the show in one of the future episodes of the drama series.

Meanwhile, reports claim that Dobrev opted to miss this year's Elton John AIDS Foundation's Oscar Viewing Party so she could avoid bumping into Somerhalder, who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend. According to reports, Dobrev decided to go to the event hosted by Vanity Fair with her pal Julianne Hough instead.

The actress's love life is also being rumored these days, after her relationship with Austin Stowell reportedly ended after seven months of dating. She was also rumored to be seeing Tim Tebow after they appeared on "The Lip Sync Battle" in early February, but the actress and the football star did not confirm the news.

News
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds

Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.

ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial
ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial

The Board of Inquiry issued a short statement on Friday stating that there was “probable cause to present” ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood “for trial for violation of Canon 2 of this Title.”

Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message

The BBC has invited Bishop Mariann Budde, the US bishop who challenged President Donald Trump at an inauguration service in January, to give a Christmas message.

Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack
Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack

Christian leaders in Australia have expressed their solidarity with the country's grief-stricken Jewish community after a deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday night.