Law & Order: SVU star confirms show reunion for icons Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson

Law & Order: SVU icons Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson are set to reunite again on the show in news that will come as a delight to fans. The characters have been staples of the franchise, Christopher Meloni's Stabler crossing over with partner Benson a couple of times in recent years.

Actor Mariska Hargitay has now teased a new appearance with her screen partner, posting an on-set Instagram selfie of her pointing to the back of a man's head, writing: "WHO DAT."

In a follow-up post, the man is revealed to be Meloni, Hargitay penning: "Happy 600…"

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Entertainment Weekly has since confirmed that the duo will be reuniting in season 28 of SVU, with the tease of "600" possibly suggesting that the episode will air on 12 November, though this hasn't been verified. It is also unclear how long he will be back for.

Fans expressed their excitement in the comments, one writing: "I’m bugggggging!!! Catching up rn," another adding: "Can’t wait for the new season!"

"Best duo ever! Welcome home @chris_meloni Maybe we could get a few bts pics or videos?!?" wrote a third, while a fourth shared: "This has made my year. internally screaming."

The appearance comes after Stabler's own spin-off Law & Order: Organized Crime was cancelled earlier this year after five seasons.

In a subsequent Instagram video, Meloni addressed the axing, telling fans: "Hey everyone, I just saw that they announced OC, Organized Crime won’t be coming back.

"So I wanted to take this moment to say thank you to the fans, who not only helped give the character of Elliot Stabler life and longevity, but for sticking with him and welcoming him back."

He added: "I had a great time playing him. It was a great ride. But thank you. You helped give me a career that I never dreamed of."

Law & Order: SVU airs on NBC in the US and 5 in the UK.

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.