Actress Chizzy Akudolu will be returning to BBC One medical drama Holby City, and she said it is like being home.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant will return to reprise her role as Doctor Mo Effanga, a role she played for five years after joining the series in May 2012.

She will return to screens in the lead-up to the festive period, the BBC said.

Akudolu said: “Being back on Darwin is like putting on your slippers and wrapping up in your duvet. You’re home. I’ve really missed the cast and crew.”

Simon Harper, executive producer of Holby City and Casualty, said: “Chizzy is an all-time audience favourite and it’s glorious to have her back for a stint.

“Mo comes sweeping in after huge, dramatic events at Holby with all her trademark warmth and humour intact – and is determined to change one particular life on Darwin for the better.”

The actress is set to start filming in the coming weeks.

Akudolu also shared the news on ITV’s Loose Women, where she was wheeled on to the set in medical scrubs.

Strictly Come Dancing 2017
Chizzy Akudolu and Pasha Kovalev on Strictly Come Dancing 2017 (Kieron McCarron/BBC)

She said she will be back in Holby City for two months, and added: “I’m really honoured to go back in.”

Akudolu left Holby City last summer before appearing on Strictly, where she was the first contestant to waltz off the dancefloor.

Prior to joining Holby in May 2012, Akudolu starred on both screen and stage, with notable appearances in EastEnders, Green Wing, The Inbetweeners and a semi-regular role on Channel 4’s Campus.