Chizzy Akudolu will return to 'Holby City' later this year.

Chizzy Akudolu

Chizzy Akudolu

The 44-year-old actress will reprise her role as Doctor Mo Effanga in the BBC medical drama in the lead up to the festive period, but the former 'Strictly Come Dancing' contestant admitted she will only be back for a two-month stint because she would "never leave" otherwise.

Announcing the news on 'Loose Women' - on which she is a regular panellist - Chizzy said: "I love the show, it was like coming home.

"But I know I have to do other stuff because if I do go back for good I won't ever leave.

"We're nomads, actors."

Chizzy will return to filming on Darwin Ward in the coming weeks and will be seen on screen before the festive period.

She said in a statement: "Being back on Darwin is like putting on your slippers and wrapping up in your duvet. You're home. I've really missed the cast and crew."

Simon Harper, executive producer of 'Holby City' and 'Casualty', said: "Chizzy is an all-time audience favourite and it's glorious to have her back for a stint.

"Mo comes sweeping in after huge, dramatic events at 'Holby' with all her trademark warmth and humour intact - and is determined to change one particular life on Darwin for the better."

In March, Chizzy admitted she had suffered a "massive" low with her depression following her exit from 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2017.

She said: "I do suffer from depression. I'm not ashamed to say that at all. It's not something I asked for. It's something I'm dealing with, I'm still on anti-depressants.

"I have therapy. I had quite a bit of therapy after 'Strictly'. I just want to say that the show did offer me a therapist, I said, 'No I'll be fine, it's just a show, just a show'. I did hit a massive low with my depression after 'Strictly'."