The 22-year-old actor is set to reprise his role as McKinley High student Sam Evans on the TV show in December after the programme's producers previously decided against keeping him on as a series regular for the third season.

The blonde hunk – who made his debut in the second series - said: "I had the best time on 'Glee' and couldn't be more excited to be returning."

Ryan Murphy - executive producer and co-creator of 'Glee' - confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "We love Chord and have always said that we wanted him back.

"So here's an early Christmas present for all the Gleeks - Sam is coming back to McKinley, and just in time for sectionals!"

Sam moved out of the state at the end of the second series after his father lost his job, shortly after he entered a relationship with Mercedes (Amber Riley).

Chord - who is thought to be dating 'Scream 4' actress Emma Roberts – was disappointed when he left 'Glee' after turning down the chance to star in the show on a recurring basis to concentrate on a music career.

He previously said: "They offered me the chance to come back for a few episodes, but there was nothing guaranteed so I decided to dive into the music thing."

Chord who is of Irish, German, Native American and English descent recently tweeted "im 1/4 irish so i guess i should be able to handle 1/4 of an irish guinness!" Good man Chord! Although don't try ordering that in any self respecting Irish pub.