Grey’s Anatomy star Alex Landi has confirmed his return as Dr Nico Kim for season 20.
Announcing his upcoming return, Landi took to Instagram to tease fans with a picture of himself in hospital scrubs and a lanyard, writing in the caption: “SEASON 20 @greysabc.”
Landi starred as Dr Nico Kim from seasons 15 to 18 but was noticeably absent from Grey’s Anatomy’s 19th season, which aired last year.
The actor made history when he joined the show as part of its first same-sex storyline between male doctors — which also featured Landi’s co-star Jake Borelli, who stars as Dr Levi Schmitt.
During season 18 of the show, Levi and Nico broke up after Nico showed interest in becoming the team doctor for the Seattle Mariners. Nico’s absence from season 19 was briefly touched upon when it was revealed that he had taken the job and is working for the Mariners.
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Back in 2018, Landi opened up about playing an Asian LGBTQ+ character, calling his role as Dr Kim “super special”.
“Asians are represented, I think, by less than three per cent in entertainment, LGBTQ being less than 1 per cent, so for them to combine both of those categories into one role is super special, and I’m so happy that I can take that on,” Landi said at the time.
“I want to take these two categories and make everyone look strong. I want to get rid of that stereotype and give them a different look on the LGBTQ community. I just hope I’m making everyone proud.”
Season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy also marks the first season not to feature Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey as a series regular.
Previously speaking about her exit, Pompeo said: “The show has been incredible to me, and I’ve loved a lot of the experience. Listen, it’s just I gotta mix it up a little bit.
Grey’s Anatomy season 20 will premiere on March 14 on ABC in the US. Grey’s streams on Disney+ in the UK.