‘Grey’s Anatomy’ creator Shonda Rhimes and former regular cast member Kate Walsh have tweeted hints that the actress’ character, Addison Montgomery, may be returning to the hit medical drama for an alternate reality episode, TVLine is reporting. The episode, which is rumored to air in February 2012, will show what would have happened if Addison never divorced her ex-husband, Derek Shepard, played by Patrick Dempsey.

The episode will also reportedly show Derek’s current wife, Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, as being more light-hearted. Her surgeon mother Ellis, played by Kate Burton in flashbacks, never developed Alzheimer’s and died.

Rhimes has also reportedly said anything is possible in the episode, but so far Walsh is the only former series regular to sign on. T.R. Knight, who played surgeon George O’Malley for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’s first five seasons, and Katherine Heigel, who portrayed fellow doctor Izzie Stevens until the middle of the sixth season, haven’t signed on to appear in the episode. But the show’s creator did hint that a few victims from the Seattle Grace shooting that ended the sixth season will be back, as well as several other former cast members.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ will return from its current holiday hiatus on Thursday, January 5, 2012.

Written by: Karen Benardello