NCIS adds Jennifer Esposito, promotes Duane Henry

Jennifer Esposito has joined the cast of NCIS as a series regular, EW has learned.

The actress will play NCIS Special Agent Alexandra “Alex” Quinn, an experienced agent who left field work and became an instructor at the Law Enforcement Training Center. Gibbs (Mark Harmon) will lure her back into the field as part of his team, where he will take advantage of her sharp wit, quick mind, and immense talent as a federal agent.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Jennifer Esposito joining us for season 14,” says executive producer Gary Glasberg. “She embodies everything that we hoped for in the character of Quinn and we can’t wait to have her come be a part of our team.”

The casting marks Esposito’s return to CBS after accusing the network of misrepresenting the circumstances that prompted her Blue Bloods exit. Esposito, who will first appear in the season 14 premiere of NCIS, recently starred on Mistresses and The Affair.

The actress joins the previously announced addition of Wilmer Valderrama as a new series regular, with the duo being added on the heels of Michael Weatherly’s departure from the series after 13 years.

Additionally, Duane Henry, who guest-starred in the final two episodes of last season as MI6 officer Clayton Reeves, has been promoted to series regular.

NCIS returns Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.