Numerous Bones spoilers have hinted at it, but star David Boreanaz has finally confirmed the anticipated casting news:

Zooey Deschanel will join her sister for an episode of the hit Fox show.

Speaking to E! News over the weekend, Boreanaz said:

"I do know that Emily's sister is going to be on the next episode, which is exciting. I think she's going to play Emily's cousin. It's a whole relationship thing that's going on now with us and it continues to grow and grow and get crazy."

Bones is taking two weeks off, but will return with a new episode on November 5. Look for Zooey to appear in an episode around Christmas.

** Update: Zooey will play Margaret Whitesell, a distant relative of Brennan. For the episode, Brennan's father, Max Keenan invites Margaret to spend Christmas with him and his daughter.

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