Rachel Nichols has signed on for a multi-episode story arc on Criminal Minds later this season. Might she be a permanent replacement for A.J. Cook, who bids farewell this evening?

It doesn’t look like it. Criminal Minds had planned to add a new female regular cast member in the wake of the Cook’s departure. That still may be true, but it won’t be Rachel.

The character Nichols will play, FBI cadet Ashley Seager, was originally envisioned as a new regular, but that changed, and Nichols will now appear in three episodes, reports say.

The premise for her arrival? Seager is invited by Hotch (Thomas Gibson) to consult on a case after learning her family history will bring a unique insight into the mind of a serial killer.

It will be interesting to see how the show handles JJ’s exit and who fills the void left by her departure. Will Morgan be developed more, for example, or will a newcomer be cast?

In any case, Cook will be missed. She was terrific in last week’s season premiere, and this evening’s episode, fittingly titled “J.J.,” looks like it will be a powerful one as well.

Source: tvfanatic.com

Rachel Nichols, the hottie who played Scarlett in G.I. JOE and the red headed Orion woman Cadet Gaila in Star Trek looks like she got the Tamara gig in Marcus Nispel’s Conan. Nichols would be the 2nd G.I. JOE cast member to join Conan – Leo Howard, who played young Snake Eyes booked the young Conan gig as we first reported here.

Nichols edged out other contenders like Cloverfield’s Jessica Lucas and the L Word’s Sarah Shahi.

According to various online sources, Rachel has joined the cast of The Loop. She will play Fiona, a librarian who joins a highway patrolman to uncover the mysteries behind the cryptic sayings spoken by an ancient parrot.

People.com reports that Rachel Nichols and husband Scott Stuber have separated. Our thoughts are with Rachel during this difficult time.

Rachel Nichols, who appears in the new Star Trek movie, and producer Scott Stuber announced the end of their seven-month marriage.

“Scott Stuber and Rachel Nichols have separated due to irreconcilable differences,” the pair said in a statement Thursday.

Nichols, 29, will appear in two upcoming action films, the J.J. Abrams-directed Star Trek and GI Joe. Stuber, 38, has projects that include the 2008 film Role Models and the upcoming movie The Wolf Man, which stars Benicio Del Toro.

Ms. Nichols turns 29-years old today. Happy birthday, Rachel, and all the best to you on this special day!