Grey's Anatomy Season 16: The Alum You Most Hope Returns Is...

Grey's Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff gave many a fan palpitations in August when she revealed that she hoped to lure back to the ABC drama a former cast member. And, although we still don't know which alum it is that she's after, only that "it's a real maybe," we do now know which character you most hope it is.

UPDATE: One of these characters made a dramatic appearance in the Season 17 premiere. Click here for our recap.

5. IZZIE STEVENS

"The story hound" in reader Deion "still wants a wrap-up" for Katherine Heigl's alter ego. "Alex and Jo having issues is the perfect time to bring [Izzie] in to make sure he doesn't make the same mistakes with Jo when she needs his support."

6. DEREK SHEPHERD

Reader Grey's Fan suggests that Patrick Dempsey's ill-fated character could reappear "as a ghost or angel now that Meredith is moving on and in a serious relationship." If that happens, heaven help Grey's new love, DeLuca!

1. ADDISON MONTGOMERY

Were Kate Walsh to reprise her role, wrote reader Tennisnsun, just "imagine Addison and Meredith competing for... guys, positions, awards, etc." Added Lindsay K: She "could come back to see Amelia... They were best friends on Private Practice, then seemed to never talk again."

3. CRISTINA YANG

Reader LaDonna puts Sandra Oh's beloved character "in the Super Wild Card category since [the actress] already has a very successful series [in Killing Eve]. But I'd love to see her back... even if it was just for one episode."

2. APRIL KEPNER

"Of all the alumni," pointed out reader Rob J., Sarah Drew's alter ego "has the most concrete ties to characters still on the show." And any medical issue that arose for daughter Harriet or husband Matthew would bring Kepner to Grey Sloan, right?

4. CALLIE TORRES

"Sara Ramirez is who I'm hoping for," wrote rowan77. "Love her, and she did just leave Madam Secretary." But, as reader Dennis suggested, "Most fans will feel cheated if Arizona doesn't return with her."