Has Big Bang Theory Cast New Love Interests for Sheldon and Amy?

Is The Big Bang Theory about to give us “The New Love Interests Initiation”?

The CBS comedy has cast Stephen Merchant (Hello Ladies) and Analeigh Tipton (Manhattan Love Story) as Season 9 guest stars, TVLine has confirmed.

While the network would not confirm who Merchant and Tipton will be playing, reports from audience members who attended the taping of Episode 9 suggest they’ll appear as respective dates for the recently broken-up Amy and Sheldon.

Tipton — who just recently guested on CBS’ Limitless (alongside her Manhattan Love Story costar, Jake McDorman) — cameo’d on Big Bang seven years ago, as herself, in an America’s Next Top Model-related storyline. The actress got her start, of course, as a contestant on the CW’s mannequin-tastic reality show.

Excited about the idea of Amy and Sheldon reentering the dating pool? Hit the comments with your thoughts!