S.W.A.T. Promotes Annie Ilonzeh to Series Regular — Watch a Sneak Peek Involving Devin’s Dad (Exclusive)

Annie Ilonzeh has been promoted to series regular on CBS’ S.W.A.T., effective with this Friday’s winter finale, TVLine has learned exclusively.

Ilonzh was cast in the recurring role of Devin Gamble back in July, at the same time that Niko Pepaj was upped to series regular status as Alfaro. Devin and Alfaro in turn filled the two open spots on Hondo’s rejiggered 20-Squad team.

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Gamble was born into an L.A. family entrenched in crime, and a decade ago her father murdered an L.A. Sheriff’s deputy. When that part of her past became widely known this season, it landed Hondo’s new recruit in the crosshairs of many peers.

Speaking of which: In the exclusive sneak peek above, Devin gets a most unwelcome surprise from not-dear ol’ dad Ernie, to be played by Rif Hutton (JAG, General Hospital). Press play above to see how she reacts!

Elsewhere in this Friday’s episode, titled “Left of Boom” and airing at 8/7c, Hondo and team race to stop a nuclear attack on Los Angeles when radioactive material is stolen from a local lab. (Hey, isn’t that Callen and Sam’s speciality? Also, Powell delves into Alfaro’s past when he displays a talent for boxing, as the department prepares for the annual LAFD “smoker” boxing tournament.

Following this week’s winter finale, S.W.A.T. will resume its 22-episode Season 8 on Friday, Jan. 31 — but airing its a brand-new time slot, at 10 pm. Starting that night, NCIS: Sydney Season 2 will claim the leadoff spot, followed by Fire Country and S.W.A.T.

Ilonzeh’s previous TV credits include Chicago FirePerson of Interest, ABC’s 2011 Charlie’s Angels reboot and General Hospital.

Want scoop on S.W.A.T., or for any other TV show ? Shoot an email to InsideLine@tvline.com, and your question may be answered via Matt’s Inside Line!

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