Grey's Anatomy has roped in actor Peter Gallagher for a major role in its upcoming eighteenth season.

It was earlier announced that Kate Burton's Ellis Grey will return in the new season, and Gallagher's character is speculated to hold the key in how Ellis will be reintroduced. Gallagher will play Dr Alan Hamilton, who knew Ellis back in the day and meets Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) in the season's premiere episode.

Season 18 of Grey's Anatomy is set for a premiere on September 30.

Grey's Anatomy was created and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes. Krista Vernoff serves as showrunner and executive producer. Betsy Beers and Mark Gordon are executive producers. Debbie Allen is the producing director and executive producer.

Gallagher is also playing a recurring role on Netflix’s Grace and Frankie. He recently starred on the first season of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, apart from playing a recurring role on Law & Order: SVU. On the film side, Gallagher was recently seen in the hit comedy Palm Springs.