"The Vampire Diaries" has been officially renewed for an eighth season. Many believe, however, that season 8 could be the show's last. Rumors are now rife that Nina Dobrev might return to make one final appearance.

Dobrev, who played fan-favorite Elena Gilbert, left the popular vampire series a while back. And while rumors were rampant that it had something to do with her ex-boyfriend Ian Somerhalder being a co-star, the bottom line was that her character's storyline had to be put on hold.

Elena was left in an eternal slumber and the only way she could be saved was to kill Bonnie (Kat Graham). Could this be how the story ends?

According to executive producer and showrunner Julie Plec, an ending has already been set for the series, no matter what. "Ever since Nina [Dobrev] said goodbye, I've had a pretty clear ending in my head, which thankfully works wherever I put it. If it's next year at the end of season eight, great. If it's the end of season nine, great. Whatever gets us to that moment will change a lot over the next year or two, but that actual last sequence is pretty written in my head already," Plec told Vulture.

As for what that ending is, fans are speculating that it has to something to do with Elena's return. TVLine reported that Plec's wish is to bring Dobrev back for a final hurrah once the series ends. Elena's story was left open-ended and there's still a lot of room to continue it.

Fans are certainly hopeful for the same, especially since Elena's love story with Somerhalder's Damon was a central theme in "The Vampire Diaries." It remains to be seen, however, if Dobrev would agree to such an arrangement. Since the 27-year-old actress has not confirmed anything, it's best to take the news with a grain of salt.

"The Vampire Diaries" season 7 airs every Friday on The CW.