For months Leverage viewers have been left wondering whether Gina Bellman's con character, Sophie Devereaux, would be returning to the hit US show. During the end of the second season Bellman was rarely present, with Star Trek: Voyager's Jeri Ryan stepping in to cover her maternity leave. Many fans feared she'd never return, but they were wrong.
Speaking exclusively to TV.com in a London studio this afternoon, the British actress revealed that she would be back for the drama's third season despite only recently having a baby. "I know they're bringing my character back large," she said: "They've got some really good, exciting storylines for Sophie".
Bellman gave birth to her first child two months ago. Her husband, nanny and new baby girl, Romy, all plan on flying back to America, from their home in London, to support her when filming begins in the coming months.
The actress wouldn't give much away about the third season, but did reveal: "The end of season two is a real big cliffhanger, and Sophie's coming back and she's going to pick up the pieces".
Leverage's second season is currently airing on American channel, TNT, while its first season is due to start on British channel, Bravo, tonight at 9pm.
I'm thrilled to hear that Sophie is coming back for sure!! I like the actress that took her place. But the Leverage team as a whole has a certain chemistry.
The producers and writers have been saying this since the Sophie-lite season started. I fail to see how this is any sort of scoop at all.
yea!
While I've missed Gina (as Sophie) and am REALLY happy that she's definitely coming back .. I have to give props to the Leverage folks for hiring Jeri Ryan and creating the character of Tara. The Sophie-lite and Sophie-free episodes have been great (still looking forward to Gina/Sophie's return!) :)
OH BOY, CAN'T WAIT TILL SOPHIE DOES COME BACK & THE WHOLE CREW IS TOGETHER!! CONGRAT'S ON YOUR NEW BABY GIRK, & CAN'T WAIT TILL YOUR BACK.
Hooray!! I liked Geri in "Shark" but she does feel like a substitute teacher here. So glad Sophie's coming back. And can I say they hid her pregnancy well, if they did at all. I can usually pick up on these things! Welcome back, Gina!! Congrats on the new baby!!
Great news, I figured she'd be back but to hear Gina herself confirm it makes me so happy and I love the "Sophie's coming back and she's going to pick up the pieces". comment, Judging by that Nate and the team are going to get themselves in some serious SH*T and only the greatest grifter around will be able to save them, Part of me wants season 2 over now so that there is less time until her return. Oh and great news also about the baby hope everything works out for the family.
The channel's name is TNT, not TMT.
Hooray! I have been waiting for this announcement. Jeri Ryan is ok but she is no Sophie! This is one of my favorite shows and it would not be the same without Sophie.
Great news! I only just got into this show, but really like Gina's character so am glad she's not leaveing.
Jeri Ryan not Teri Ryan.