'The Vampire Diaries' season 8 news: Nina Dobrev officially returning as Elena for series finale

Nearly two years after her exit, Nina Dobrev is officially returning to "The Vampire Diaries" season 8.

Dobrev left The CW's supernatural drama in season 6 when her character, Elena, was put in a magical coma. The actress recently broke the news of her return via Instagram, hinting that she'll appear on the series finale. She posted a script of the March 10 finale titled "I Was Feeling Epic," along with the caption: "I know it's Thursday, but this is not a TBT. #BackOnSet #TVDForever"

All season 8 episode titles are significant lines delivered by characters from the show. The final episode's title is a nod to a statement from Stefan's (Paul Wesley) deceased friend, Lexi, who memorably said the line back in season 1.

Dobrev starred as Elena Gilbert, but she also played a few doppelgangers, including Tatia, Katherine, and Amara. Although she never shot new scenes since her 2015 exit, the 28-year-old lent her voice in the season 7 finale when Sybil (Nathalie Kelley) tricked Damon (Ian Somerhalder) by using Elena's voice.

Right after Dobrev's announcement, showrunner Julie Plec and executive producer Kevin Williamson both released statements."I'm thrilled to bring this show to an end the way we always intended — with Nina back to help us say goodbye," Plec said, with Williamson further adding: "I'm so excited to have Nina back to ensure our farewell episode is truly epic!"

According to Hollywood Life, a source close to Dobrev revealed that the actress feels very positive about her appearance on the program. However, the source also hinted that Dobrev might not be too happy to reunite with her ex-boyfriend/co-star Somerhalder.

"She is comparing it to a high school reunion where you see people you haven't seen in a while, people you still stay in touch with and people you don't want to see but you get through it because she is professional and wants to give the fans one last hoorah," the source shared.

The eighth and final season of "The Vampire Diaries" airs every Friday night at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.