Grey’s Anatomy shocker as old character returns for first time in 10 years

Emotional reunion ‘broke’ viewers of the long-running medical drama

Grey’s Anatomy is continuing to dish out the surprises.

After the shock return of a beloved character in the season 17 premiere, the fourth episode saw yet another of the show’s original cast members come back.

"Spoiler warning – you have been warned*

As teased by showrunner Krista Vernoff, the new season has seen Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) reunite with a number of old friends in her dreams.

Weeks after a “shocking, jaw-dropping ending” saw Patrick Dempsey bring Derek Shephard back to the show for the first time since the character’s death in 2015, TR Knight returned as George O’Malley.

Knight left the show in 2009 after his character died a hero after jumping in front of a bus to save a stranger.

The emotional scenes in the long-running medical drama’s latest episode saw Meredith and George catch up in Meredith’s head, with George telling her that he regularly  “checks in” on Meredith and her children from beyond the grave.

Viewers were “in tears” over the scenes, expressing their sadness on social media. Many said that the moment “broke” them.

Others were happy to see Meredith so happy in George’s company, with one fan writing: “First time I’ve seen Meredith smile that big, be this happy, and have a genuine laugh in six seasons.”

Vernoff previously told Deadline that the decision to bring back old characters was inspired by wanting “to bring joy, escape and fan candy” to viewers after a tough year.