The last time Vampire Diaries viewers saw John Gilbert, he was handing Jeremy his magic ring and heading out of Mystic Falls because Stefan told him to skedaddle.

But we have it on good authority that this character will return to town on the show's second episode of 2011 - and he'll bring a key piece of information with him: how to kill Elijah.

Based on a recent Nina Dobrev interview, Elijah will approach Elena on this week's midseason finale and offer her some kind of deal.

What will it be? Are you excited for the return of John Gilbert? Comment away below and/or in our Vampire Diaries forum!

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