**Jenna Dewan Set to Return in Season 9 of The Rookie**
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Jenna Dewan has announced her eagerly anticipated return as firefighter Bailey Nune in the forthcoming ninth season of the popular procedural drama, *The Rookie*. The series, which has become a staple in ABC’s lineup, is set to premiere on 6 January 2027, and fans are already buzzing about what the new season will bring.
Dewan, who has portrayed the character of Bailey Nune for six years, recently hinted at exciting developments in her storyline during an interview with *Entertainment Weekly*. The previous season saw Bailey transitioning to a new job in Washington D.C., leading to a long-distance relationship with her husband, John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion. She later returned to Los Angeles to continue her role with the Los Angeles Fire Department.
In her recent comments, Dewan expressed her enthusiasm for the new storyline and hinted at some surprising twists awaiting viewers in the upcoming season. “There are some incredible storylines that I’m very, very excited about,” she stated, adding that a new character will significantly impact her narrative arc. “I didn’t see it coming. It’s very fun. And I do one of my most thrilling scenes so far during the season, which I’m really excited to show,” she revealed.
Dewan will be joined by a cast that includes Nathan Fillion, Alyssa Diaz, Mekia Cox, Shawn Ashmore, Richard T. Jones, Eric Winter, and Melissa O’Neil. Fans will also see the introduction of Troian Bellisario and Dulé Hill, who are set to join the show this season. According to industry reports, *The Rookie* is now the third longest-running drama series in ABC’s history, trailing only *Grey’s Anatomy* and *NYPD Blue*.
Reflecting on her experience with the show, Dewan spoke warmly of the strong camaraderie she shares with her co-stars. “I have to say, the Rookie job is the best job I’ve ever had,” she noted. She highlighted the supportive atmosphere among the cast members, adding, “We genuinely love each other, and I think that is a lot of what makes the show work so well.” This authenticity is something that resonates with audiences, as viewers can sense the strong chemistry among the cast.
Moreover, the flexibility of filming has allowed Dewan to balance her professional commitments with her family life. She is a devoted mother to three children: Everly, aged 12, who she shares with ex-husband Channing Tatum, as well as two younger children, Callum, 6, and Rhiannon, 2, from her relationship with fiancé Steve Kazee. “We love our jobs, we show up, we have a lot of laughs, we work really hard, and then we all go home to our families,” she explained, highlighting the healthy work-life balance she has achieved.
In addition to her role in *The Rookie*, Dewan is currently making waves on season 35 of *Dancing with the Stars*, where she partners with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. The duo has been a standout in the competition, recently earning their first perfect score with a Beauty and the Beast-themed quickstep. Dewan expressed that her ability to juggle both *The Rookie* and *Dancing with the Stars* stems from the efficient nature of the filming schedule on her drama. “That’s why everyone loves being there, because we know we get to be done when we’re meant to be done. We go home, we live our lives,” she said.
As the premiere of *The Rookie* approaches, anticipation continues to build around Dewan’s character and the dynamic storytelling that the show is known for. The excitement surrounding the upcoming season showcases the enduring popularity of the series, ensuring that viewers will be glued to their screens when it returns in January.
In conclusion, as Jenna Dewan prepares to embark on another season as Bailey Nune, fans can look forward to new characters, thrilling plotlines, and the heartfelt moments that have made *The Rookie* a beloved part of ABC’s programming. With the combination of strong performances and a supportive cast, the ninth season promises to be both entertaining and engaging for audiences.
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