Jennifer Aniston heads back to TV with 30 Rock

News hounds were going nuts over the announcement (from her publicist) that Jennifer Aniston will guest star in an episode of the critically beloved 30 Rock. And now word has been released that Aniston will play a former roommate of Tina Fey's named Claire Harper. Claire shows up in NYC and "attaches herself to Alec Baldwin," NBC said on Tuesday.

Aniston has yet to return to television since a guest spot on the now-cancelled Dirt found her locking lips with real life BFF Courteney Cox. She is the second Friends star to find their way back to NBC with the behind-the-scenes sitcom; David Schwimmer made his return to the tube playing the hilarious Greenzo.

Leaked photos of one of her scenes filmed at Silver Cup in N.Y. seem to show Aniston spoofing the fountain opening credits of Friends with Tina Fey dressed as Monica and Jane Krakowski as Phoebe.

The third season of 30 Rock, which recently garnered 17 Emmy nominations, premieres on October 30. The date of Aniston's episode hasn't been released yet, but many are speculating it will be within the first two episodes. Also on slate to repeat as a guest star soon this season is Emmy nominee Will Arnett.

Of having Aniston on the show, Fey said, "Jennifer is not only incredibly lovely to have around, she also has what the young people would call 'mad skills.' We're very excited that she's joining us."

Related links:
30 Rock on Hulu
30 Rock on NBC.com
News: Steve Carell goes on a Date with Tina Fey

Got news tips for Paste? E-mail news@pastemagazine.com.