It's difficult to top the casting of Drea de Matteo on Desperate Housewives.

But, with the following announcement, the ABC hit may have at least equaled the buzz created by that news: Andrea Bowen is coming back to the show!

As first reported by Michael Ausiello, the actress has signed on to reprise her role as Susan's oldest child, Julie. She'll appear in the September 27 season premiere, while sources add that she's coming back in a full-time capacity.

The character disappeared at the conclusion of season four, as Julie was a casualty of the show's four-year flash forward. On college break last season, she briefly returned and told her mom that she was dating her 40-year-old professor, played by Steven Weber.

It's unlikely that he'll appear again on Desperate Housewives.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.