One of medical drama ER's most controversial characters is to return to the series as part of a major overhaul to boost ratings. With many fearing the current season of the show will be the last, producers have recalled Gloria Reuben to the cast, eight years after her HIV-positive character Jeanie Boulet left the drama.

Reuben was one of the original ER stars, and played Boulet for six seasons.

A source says, "The producers are hoping Gloria's return will draw back older viewers who have strayed from the young, hipper cast."

And the 43-year-old actress' return is sure to tug the heartstrings of regular viewers - her character re-appears when she fears her son's HIV has developed into full-blown AIDS.

Reuben's return, coupled with the ongoing Hollywood writers strike, could keep ER on the air.

Last week, star John Stamos was hopeful the strike could help give the medical drama a boost. He explained, "This could nudge another season out of ER. People have invested 14 years of their lives to this show and I feel they need a full season to end the show and wrap it up nice (and) bring back some characters."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)