'HIMYM' exec explains Morrison role

How I Met Your Mother's executive producer Craig Thomas has dropped hints about Jennifer Morrison's role on the show.

Morrison is joining the comedy later this season as Zoey Van Smoot, a new love interest for Ted (Josh Radnor).

"Without giving anything away, it's a very, very big character who influences Ted's life quite a bit, so we were being very picky with who we cast," Thomas told TV Guide. "We'll see Zoey become a fixture of this group's world."

Zoey will meet Ted when she discovers he is working on a new building to replace one which she is trying to save.

Thomas promised that Zoey will "be making [Ted's] life hell" but explained that she will also have secrets which are revealed throughout the series.

Thomas added that he "wouldn't rule out" making Morrison a series regular, saying: "There's something very kindred about them.

"In the middle of the season, this takes a big, interesting turn. We will be flashing forward to Ted's wedding day throughout the season. We're talking about seeing Zoey's house, and she'll become part of Ted's Thanksgiving Day, much to his chagrin. And I can tell you she's in our season finale. But whether Jennifer's the mother, I just can't say."

How I Met Your Mother continues on Mondays at 8/7c on CBS. Morrison's first episode will air on October 18.