By Portia de Rossi has been promoted to a series regular on Scandal.
The actress, who plays Elizabeth North in the recently-renewed ABC drama series, will return for the fifth season.
"I've been here for the entire season, so honestly, I already feel like I'm part of the family," she told TVLine. "It would've been very sad for me not to come back.
"And to come back with a guarantee of a few more episodes than [I was in this season] is really fantastic.
"It's just a great ensemble cast. And we're all really excited about the show still. I came on as a fan, but all the actors are just as excited as when they first started the show. And I love Shonda Rhimes. I love Shonda Rhimes."
De Rossi also praised the cast of Scandal, calling the series a "magical" place to star in.
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"I've been in a lot of shows," she explained. "People get a little jaded or complacent. There's something so magical about Scandal.
"I have to say, Kerry Washington really sets the tone for the rest of us. She is so enthusiastic and happy and grateful and humble. She is a class act. She shows everyone else how it's done. I have to give credit for her.
"This is an anomaly, as far as people genuinely supporting each other and being excited for what we're making. We're all so thrilled for each other. We all like each other.
"There's no competitiveness. There's no drama. We save the drama for on screen."
Other ABC dramas returning for the 2015-16 season include Agents of SHIELD, Agent Carter, Castle, Grey's Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder.
