Embattled star Isaiah Washington is scheduled to return to the Grey’s Anatomy set as early as Thursday for the first time since entering counseling after making a homophobic slur, People reports.

Isaiah Washington, who plays Dr. Preston Burke, has not been on the set since January 23, the day before he issued a statement saying he would seek counseling “as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again.”

He also missed picking up a trophy at Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards that honored the Grey’s Anatomy cast.

Best actress winner Chandra Wilson alluded to his absence, saying in her acceptance speech, “It’s about the 10 cast members sitting over there and the other one in rehab.”

A source familiar with the Grey’s Anatomy production schedule tells People that Washington has confirmed he’ll arrive for his next call time, now set for Thursday, although the show’s production schedule changes.

Washington has been at the center of controversy since using a homophobic slur in reference to T.R. Knight, who is gay. After a firestorm of criticism, Washington issued an apology, then on January 23 announced he had entered counseling.

“I appreciate the fact that I have been given this opportunity and am committed to transforming my actions into positive results, personally and professionally,” said the 43-year-old acto, who has also met with leaders of the gay community in an attempt to rectify his actions.

While we don’t know anything for sure, this is a good indication that ABC believes - as many fans and columnists have opined - that Grey’s Anatomy and its cast will survive the controversy and remain intact.

An overwhelming number of you have inquired as to the identity of the guest actresses portraying the Amish girls in last week’s amazing “Great Expectations.”

There’s no doubt that Jessica Stroup (Jilly Miller, right) and Rachel Boston (Rachel, below) both turned in terrific performances.

You may have recognized Boston, 24, as Beth Mason on American Dreams. She has also guest starred on The Closer and 7th Heaven, and has appeared in several movies. In 1999, she was crowned Miss Teen Tennessee!

Stroup has appeared in, among others, the films The Hills Have Eyes 2, School for Scoundrels, Southern Comfort, and Pray For Morning.

Hopefully we’ll be seeing more from these lovely young ladies in the coming years. We’re planning on revamping our outdated guest stars section in the near future, so it includes information like this about some of each week’s terrific compelling guest performers.

As Ellen Pompeo pointed out the other night at the SAG Awards, they bring so much to the series week in and week out.

Another Monday in the books. And that means another Grey’s Anatomy Insider Caption Contest winner to be announced

This week’s image is taken from “Great Expectations,” airing Thursday, January 25. We received some great entries (Grey’s Lover, Beth and Randy almost won), but in the end, we’ve decided that SheStoleMyMcLife has won this week’s contest with a funny play on Addison’s assessment of Mark vying for Richard’s post.

The winning reply appears below. Congratulations to the winner, and to all of you who participated. Scroll down to see the complete list of submissions. Good luck again week - and may the Grey’s Anatomy force be with you.

This week’s Caption Contest image:

“George O’Malley, Sex Machine. That makes me vomit a little in my mouth.”

Two proposals, one retirement, and a sex machine added up to a whole lot of drama at Seattle Grace on last week’s “Great Expectations.”

Meredith and Derek continue their recent drama with a mini-fight, complete with an apology. But it seems that they’re both staying committed to each other, at least for the time being.

Izzie decides to fund the free clinic that Bailey has contrived at such an opportune time.

It remains to be seen, however, how much this will affect her life as an intern, and if she will completely devote herself to doing good things with Denny’s money.

It also remains to be seen what really inspired Bailey to open this clinic. But the Chief’s vote of confidence in her will no doubt spur her forward and hopefully help to heal some of the self-doubt Burke imposed upon her.

The could-be-soon-to-be-open Chief of Surgery position has the otherwise calm, cool, and collected attendings acting like greedy children. Sloan, Montgomery, Burke, and Shepherd all throw their hats in the ring for a shot at Chief. However, not everyone is cut out to be the next chief.

While he appears to be talented (in many areas), Mark Sloan is just not fearless leader material. The entire hospital would no doubt stage a mutiny if he were chosen. Addison has potential, but she’s emotional and she too easily gets wrapped up in patients’ lives.

So that leaves Preston and Derek as the two main contenders. Both come complete with God-complexes, as well as questionable decisions in their respective pasts.

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Congratulations to the entire cast of Grey’s Anatomy for winning the Screen Actors Guild award for best performance by an ensemble in a drama series last night.

A testament to chemistry and talent, this honor was earned by every member of the cast and should be savored.

Special congratulations go out to Chandra Wilson, who won the SAG award for best female actor in a drama series.

The actress who we’ve come to know and love as Dr. Miranda Bailey is a dynamic presence on the show and deserves every ounce of credit she gets.

While accepting her award, a teary-eyed Wilson credited her castmates and light-heartedly acknowledged the elephant (not) in the room.

“It’s about those 10 cast members sitting over there,” Wilson said. “… and the other one in rehab. Y’all just hold me together.”

Wilson was referring, of course, to embattled star Isaiah Washington, who was not in attendance. Later, Ellen Pompeo, while accepting the award on behalf of the entire ensemble, also thanked Washington, as well as several of the many talented Grey’s Anatomy guest stars who weren’t there.

Refreshingly, the dark cloud hanging over Grey’s Anatomy appears to have lifted, with the focus of the night remaining where it should be - on TV’s best drama. Prior to the event, Katherine Heigl took the high road when asked about Isaiah.

“As far as we know, he’s seeking treatment right now to help with some of his issues,” Heigl told E! anchor Ryan Seacrest, repeatedly refusing to speculate on Washington’s absence or return.

Below are some pictures from the SAG awards. Congratulations once again to the Grey’s Anatomy cast, and especially Chandra on a job well done!

ROW 1: Katherine Heigl, Sara Ramirez and T.R. Knight.

ROW 2: Sandra Oh, James Pickens, Jr., and Kate Walsh; Sandra Oh and Kate Walsh.

ROW 3: Chandra Wilson admires her trophies; Sandra Oh and Ellen Pompeo wave to the crowd after the cast won best ensemble.

ROW 4: Ellen Pompeo and James Pickens, Jr. celebrate; Patrick Demsey with Sandra Oh and Ellen Pompeo.

ROW 5: Chandra Wilson reacts in shock as she wins best female actor; Patrick Dempsey and Kate Walsh make their entrance.

ROW 6: Katherine Heigl and fiance Josh Kelley; The whole cast savors the win.

He’s talented, he’s humble, he’s a family man and he’s got the hair. Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey has the whole package, and he’s featured in this month’s edition of InStyle. Here are some scans from the magazine’s article on Patrick - click to enlarge!

The beautiful Katherine Heigl and other celebrities’ “on-the-spot” artwork at the Sundance Film Festival is going to be auctioned off to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Below is a picture of Katherine and her creation:

Looks like Katherine was doing more at Sundance than just looking adorable! The original artwork created on the spot from celebs such as Heigl, Justin Timberlake, Kevin Bacon, Antonio Banderas, the Arizona Cardinals’ Matt Leinart, cartoonist Gary Baseman and more than 50 others will be placed up for auction here.

This week on the Round Table, Richard is rebuffed, Addisex takes a step back, the race for Chief is on, and a couple of very serious questions are popped …

Besides the ineligible Dr. Bailey, who would make the best Chief: Derek, Preston, Addison or Mark?

McCritic: Derek. Now that he’s learned how to be McScreamy, as well, Shepherd has the perfect combination of strictness, kindness and professionalism to handle the job well. And hair. The man has hair that simply won’t quit.

Married-to-McDreamy: I vote for Addison. Clearly Derek and Preston have too many ego issues that would get in the way of either leading the surgical department with a clear head, and Mark just hasn’t been there long enough.

Addison, on the other hand, is a strong, professional woman and it would be terrific to see a female take over that position.

iheartizzie: Mark’s only out for himself, Burke blew his chance by disguising his hand tremor, and Derek isn’t hardened enough. The only knock on Addison Montgomery is personal - she’s an adulterer. So was Bill Clinton, though, and there’s a good bet Americans would elect him over George W. Bush now if given the opportunity. Just saying.

Was Alex serious about not being into Addison, or just saying that to get back on the vagina squad?

Married-to-McDreamy: That was completely and utterly false. Alex just wants back in on Addison’s surgeries and I think it’s pretty clear that he was into her when they had their “moments” on the previous episodes. Alex knows what he’s doing in this situation. Before we know it, Addison will be crawling after him.

McCritic: The latter. But he doesn’t wanna be in gynecology, no.

iheartizzie: I think Karev is hedging his bets here. He sees how thrown off Addison is, so by playing it cool, at least he gets to scrub in. He definitely still wants her, but there’s no sense in playing your hand too soon and losing both the surgeries and the McHot doctor, you know?

Will Adele come around and welcome Richard home?

Married-to-McDreamy: I hope so. That was very sad when Richard was left on the front porch with his little bouquet. My guess is that she’ll make him sweat a little but then eventually let him come home and explain that he really screwed up.

McCritic: Adele if I know.

iheartizzie: Man I hope so. We weren’t shown how hard it must have been for the Chief to announce his retirement from the institution that has been his life for so many years, but it couldn’t have been easy. Even if it took him far too long, he made this decision for Adele. They’ve got at least 20 good years left, and hopefully, Mrs. Webber will realize they should spend them together. And let Richard work a few days a week.

So we saw two marriage proposals in “Great Expectations.” Which, if any, will be accepted?

iheartizzie: Like the aforementioned Bill Clinton, I will look to my most trusted guide before stating my position - the polls. As of this posting, 52 percent of Insider respondents feel only Cristina and Preston will wed, while another 14 percent think we’ll see both couples walk down the aisle. So, Burktina it is, then! Still, you can’t count out that George O’Malley. Smart, sensitive and a sex machine!

McCritic: Callie looked more comfortable cutting a conscious man’s leg in half than she did looking down at a proposing George. Cristina, conversely, looked stern, judgmental and completely unaffected. In other words, she’s thrilled. Schedule the Burktina wedding now.

Married-to-McDreamy: I truly hope that Cristina accepts Burke’s proposal but I do not think O’Callie should tie the knot. Not yet at least. I think George is overly emotional and making drastic decisions because of his grief.

There weren’t a lot of Seattle scenes in Thursday night’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy, reports our official Emerald City correspondent, whose blog you can visit here. But all the sweeping views of the city, the water, and the ferryboats you see are genuine Seattle images.

Here’s what she writes about the (fleeting) glimpses of the city we were treated to last Thursday and in past weeks.

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Very rarely do the doctors and interns venture out into the real Seattle.

Sure, they have lives to save and whatever, so they spend most of their time in the hospital. But every once in a while, we do get a real glimpse of the real city most of the characters are so in love with.

The setting for Meredith’s house is actually Queen Anne Hill, a beautiful old neighborhood full of multi-million dollar homes about a mile from downtown.

In reality, this would be quite convenient for Izzie, George, and Meredith, since Seattle Grace Hospital is supposedly set at the base of the Space Needle, which is only a hop, skip, and a jump from Queen Anne.

But in some scenes, we see Meredith Grey drive to work on I-90 or Highway 99, both picturesque highways for filming purposes but neither of them needed for what her real-life commute would be.

However, if a curious fan ventured to the Space Needle in search of Seattle Grace, he or she would be disappointed to find the local ABC station there instead. The building looks strikingly familiar to the Seattle Grace we see on TV, featuring blue-tinted windows and even a courtyard.

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Hot wheels? Yes. Hotter guy? Definitely yes. Looking decidedly McDreamy, Grey’s Anatomy leading man and car enthusiast Patrick Dempsey revs up Thursday in L.A., getting ready for the big weekend ahead. His wife, Jillian, is reportedly going into labor this weekend!

On a work note, Patrick and the rest of his Grey’s Anatomy castmates are nominated for the ensemble SAG Award, which will be handed out on Sunday. Here’s hoping for a repeat of the Golden Globes. And by that, we mean the whole cast winning. Nothing else!