Grey's Anatomy Scoop: Isaiah Washington Returning Before Sandra Oh's Send-Off

Preston Burke is returning to Grey Sloan Memorial!

Isaiah Washington will reprise his role as Cristina's (Sandra Oh) former flame during an episode of Grey's Anatomythat will air this May, TVGuide.com has learned.

Grey's Anatomy: Are Alex and Jo really going to break up?

Much to the dismay of longtime Grey's fans, Oh announced in August that she was leaving the ABC medical drama after 10 seasons. It is unclear whether Burke will show up in Oh's final episode.

"It's important to me that Cristina's journey unfolds exactly as it should," executive producer Shonda Rhimes says of Washington's return. "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."

Last seen at the end of Season 3, Burke left Cristina at the altar after he realized he didn't love his career-driven bride-to-be. Still, he had a big impact on her life before his exit. She once helped him cover up his debilitating hand injury and she suffered an ectopic pregnancy with his child.

Grey's Anatomy's Sarah Drew dissects April's decision, teases what's next

Washington left Grey's Anatomy amid controversy after allegedly insulting co-star T.R. Knight with a homophobic slur. His contract was subsequently not renewed, and he was replaced by Brooke Smith's Erica Hanh the following season. Washington will next star on The CW's post-apocalyptic drama The 100.

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9/8c on ABC. Are you excited that Washington is returning?