'Bang' welcomes Gilbert as series regular

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Actress Sara Gilbert has agreed to reprise her guest spot on "The Big Bang Theory" with a regular role on the U.S. TV series, The Hollywood Reporter says.

The entertainment publication said Friday that the former "Roseanne" actress, who appeared in three episodes of the CBS comedy during its freshman season, has signed on to reprise her role as researcher Leslie Winkle.

Winkle first appeared on "Bang" as a love interest for Leonard Hofstadter, one of the series' leads played by actor Johnny Galecki.

The series follows two prodigies whose personalities clash with an attractive sociable neighbor, played by actress Kaley Cuoco.

The Reporter said during her time on "Roseanne," Gilbert earned two Emmy Award nominations for her work on the popular sitcom.