Amy Ryan is reprising her role as Michael Scott’s true love, Holly Flax.

With it being Steve Carell’s last season, we had to see Holly again.  Writer/executive producer/cast member Paul Lieberstein has confirmed that yes, Holly will be back, but not just for a quick cameo.  Ryan will be around for eight episodes.

That means we’ll be able to enjoy Holly Flax for a third of the season, leading me to believe she might have something to do with Michael Scott leaving at the end of the season.

The season finale showed Scott asking Sabre CEO Jo (Kathy Bates) asking if she could bring Holly back.  Jo will do just that, but Holly will not be a happy camper about being back in Scranton.  Apparently she’s built herself a nice life with her boyfriend A.J.

(Rob Huebel who may or may not return) and doesn’t want to leave it according to Lieberstein.

In regards to Carell’s departure, Lieberstein says he doesn’t want to see Carell go but at the same time thinks it may bring a fresh angle to the show.  ”To actually get to write someone out who’s a main character, it’s a cool opportunity. Not that I want Steve to leave, but in the long run” it could be a benefit to the series.

There’s been no solid decision on who will replace Carell, but it was reported earlier that writer/executive producer/cast member (jeez, does everyone on this cast serve multiple functions?) Mindy Kaling is pushing for Rainn Wilson’s Dwight to snag the job.