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'Chicago Fire' fans in disbelief as Taylor Kinney set to return for Season 12 after sudden hiatus

In January, Taylor Kinney reportedly took a sudden break from NBC's 'Chicago Fire' to 'deal with a personal matter'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Taylor Kinney's return to 'Chicago Fire' is surprising news for the fans since he left the show midway through its Season 11,

After taking a break from the popular NBC procedural earlier in the year, the 42-year-old actor, who plays Lieutenant Kelly Severide on the show, is all set to comeback in Season 12, as reported by PEOPLE Magainze.

Kinney's departure from the series was first verified in January by a source close to the 'Chicago Fire' production, who stated that he needed the time off to "deal with a personal matter." 

Notably, the actor has portrayed Severide since the 2012 premiere of 'Chicago Fire', which launched the network's well-liked 'One Chicago' brand and gave rise to the spinoffs, 'Chicago PD' and 'Chicago Med'.

Although the precise number of episodes he would appear in has not yet been confirmed, insiders suggest that his return is anticipated early in the season once the SAG-AFTRA strike is settled. 

Fans cannot keep calm as Taylor Kinney is set to return as Lieutenant Kelly Severide in 'Chicago Fire'

Soon after the news of Lieutenant Kelly Severide's return to 'Chicago Fire' came to light, Taylor Kinney couldn't help but share their amusement, especially on X (formerly Twitter).  

One wrote, "Cool! I'm guessing Sev'll be working alongside Seager & the other OFI guys a lot more though, since Cruz is the Squad leader now, and has been for some time."

Another exclaimed, "That is the best news I have heard in a while. His smile always makes me feel better, he is the best medicine"

"Thank you thank you! So glad to read that Kelly Severide will return for season 12’," stated an ardent fan. 

A person noted, "Definitely makes me happy. Great show that needs all its great actors to make it awesome again in Season 12. Thank you." 

One chimed in, "So happy to hear this. Missed him a lot on the show. Casey leaving was very hard and Severide was really hard. So happy he is returning! I hope Casey stays also." 

"YES! He's the Best!!! NOW LET'S GET ON WITH IT.... Ready Set, GOOOOOOO," expressed another person.

A fan exclaimed, "Yaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy. So excited. Love him so much. Absolutely love this show and would love to be a part of it," while one more mentioned, "It will be so nice to see Severide and Stella together and with everyone at 51." 

When was Taylor Kinney's last appearance on 'Chicago Fire'?

Taylor Kinney last appeared in 'Chicago Fire' during the Episode 14 of Season 11 tiled 'Run Like Hell', which aired in February. 

After the episode, his character, Lieutenant Kelly Severide, is seen departing town to attend an arson investigation training program, seizing a chance that was too good to refuse, therefore his character did not appear in later episodes.

He was also absent from the Season 11 finale, but Jesse Spencer,who left the show in 2021, made a cameo in his character, Matthew Casey. 

Notably, Spencer could return for the upcoming season as he has made multiple appearances since he left and proposed to Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) at the finale, as per Variety.

It is unclear when Kinney will formally announce his return to 'Chicago Fire' as he hasn't shared anything on his official Instagram since early December 2022.