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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Jane Lynch has signed on to reprise her role as Reid's mother Diana for Season 12 of Criminal Minds. "We're really excited. It's a fun Reid story and she's really excited to come back and reprise her role," executive producer Erica Messer explained to TV Guide after mentioning that Lynch will be featured in two episodes for a "heavy Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) story."
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"She's been a busy lady and we're still here, so we're happy to be able to offer that opportunity for her to come back," Messer continued about being unable to bring back Lynch before due to her busy schedule.
The actress last appeared as the schizophrenic Diana back in 2008 before the launch of her role on Glee. Afterwards, Lynch headlined her own sitcom, Angel From Hell which was canceled mid-season by CBS in February.
During her absence, Diana has continued to be mentioned on Criminal Minds, however, with Reid last mentioning that he was planning on taking a trip with his mother to Paris. "They did take a trip together. We learn about their trip to Paris in the premiere. Reid talks about that," Messer shared.
"That's why everybody's excited. It was more important than ever to have Jane come guest-star because it will be a big story."
Criminal Minds returns for Season 12 starting Sept. 28 at 9/8c on CBS.
Lynch will also be seen in the upcoming Netflix mockumentary Mascots alongside an ensemble cast that follows the "ultra-competitive world of sports mascots."
Recently, frequent gueststar Paget Brewster who portrays Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds was upgraded to series regular following star Thomas Gibson's firing for allegedly being abusive to the show's staff.
