Amy Ryan returns to 'The Office'

Amy Ryan will reprise her role as human resources rep Holly Flax in The Office, reports Variety.

The character first appeared in the season four finale as a replacement for outgoing HR worker Toby Flenderson. Ryan's character was set up as a potential love interest for Dunder Mifflin boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell).

Ryan said: "I don't know what they're going to do with the character, but as it was written, there's certainly a lot of potential. It's a funny thing to enter a show that you're a great fan of - and it's nice to tell lighter stories.

"I love the dark, grittier side of life, but it's nice to take a break from that, put a skirt on and brush your hair."

Ryan's previous screen credits include HBO's The Wire, Dan In Real Life and Gone Baby Gone, for which she received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress.