Despite Christopher Meloni's denial that he will be returning to the upcoming season of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," rumors continue to persist that his character Elliot Stabler will come back to renew his romance with Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay).

In March, the actor told Huffington Post that he had no idea where the speculations came from. He said he heard the rumors just like everybody else and made it clear that no one from the NBC series had contacted him to talk about reprising his role. Showrunner Warren Leight previously revealed that he would like Elliot to come back for the series finale, but nothing was finalized yet. Hargitay's agreeing to do another season for NBC means the end will not be coming soon for the show. Does it mean no Meloni comeback?

For fans, his dynamics with Benson had been interesting to watch. Although they were not officially together, the promise of romance was always present between them. Elliot was the closest man to the lieutenant's heart until he suddenly decided to quit the force. If he will return and reestablish his position as Benson's dear friend, he will have to face off with Ed Tucker (Robert John Burke). Last installment, the good captain and Benson have had several dates. She liked taking walks with him, together with her son Noah.

In her interview with USA Today, Hargitay talked about her character's romance with Tucker. According to her, Benson feels distinctly feminine whenever she is around him. As the head of her unit, she is used to being the Alpha. Her strong personality makes it difficult for men to see her as a potential date. Tucker, however, is different. Hargitay said he was the perfect match for the lieutenant. Will there be wedding bells for them?

"I feel like it's really lonely, and she's been lonely and alone. And then enter Tucker, which has been such a game-changer for me because not only is he as powerful — she's such a powerful character — to have somebody that energetically matches her has been incredible. ... He's so masculine and so strong and so powerful that she can [exhale] because he's that, so [Benson] gets to be a different color," the actress said.

Fans only have to wait three more months for the new episodes of the procedural. According to TV Guide, "Law & Order: SVU" season 18 will premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC.