One Chicago Center
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SWAT promotes Chicago Fire alum to series regular in season 8

The long-running police drama picked up a major star.

By Danilo Castro

“Life” – 20-Squad faces down a prison hostage situation, only to be thrown into deeper danger when a bomb explodes, freeing maximum-security prisoners from their cells, including someone with a personal grudge against Hondo, on S.W.A.T., Friday, Nov. 1 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R):
“Life” – 20-Squad faces down a prison hostage situation, only to be thrown into deeper danger when a bomb explodes, freeing maximum-security prisoners from their cells, including someone with a personal grudge against Hondo, on S.W.A.T., Friday, Nov. 1 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured (L-R): /
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One Chicago has around since 2012. There have been countless actors who have come through and left their mark on the franchise, whether it be newcomers who rise to fame, superstars who nab small parts, or established veterans at the tail end of their careers.

These actors rarely stay. Most struggle to stay with a show for over a decade. That said, part of the fun is getting to see where certain One Chicago stars wind up once they decided to leave their title. Many decide to make a lateral pivot, and try their hand at another established prodecedural franchise. Such has been the case with Annie Ilonzeh.

Annie Ilonzeh has earned a SWAT promotion

Annie Ilonzeh
BET+ "Diarra From Detroit" Los Angeles Premiere / Leon Bennett/GettyImages

Ilonzeh has been promoted to series regular on SWAT. TV Line confirmed that the actress, who made her debut as Devin Gamble this past summer, will be given more screen time than ever. Devin Gamble instantly made an impression on fans, due to her tragic backstory and her unique dynamic with series lead, Hondo (Shemar Moore).

Ilonzeh will be the latest addition to the core SWAT team, following Niko Pepaj's promotion to regular cast member. These two have ensured that the show maintains a fresh feel, despite inching closer to a decade on the air.

Chicago Fire fans, of course, know Annie Ilonzeh as medic Emily Foster. The actress joined the drama back in 2018, and served as a main cast member during seasons 7-8. She lent a hard-nosed quality to Firehouse 51's medic team, and she was particularly skilled when it came to surgical work.

Ilonzeh starred in two seasons of Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire - Season 8
CHICAGO FIRE -- "I'll Cover You" Episode 818 -- Pictured: (l-r) Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett, Annie Ilonzeh as Emily Foster -- (Photo by: Adrian Burrows/NBC) /

Foster was praised by Chicago Med's Dr. Will Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss) for her proficiency in the field, and suggested that she put her talents to work as a surgeon. The character was initially hesitant, but it turned out to be the path she followed.

Annie Ilonzeh's character left Chicago Fire in season 8, citing a desire to attend medical school in the Windy City. It didn't go smoothly, and the actually returned to Firehouse 51, but she dusted herself off and made a second go at becoming a physician. Have have long theorized that Foster could return to the franchise after completing medical school, but it looks as though the window for that being a legit possibility has closed.

Ilonzeh has moved on, and his now holding down the fort on SWAT. Just as well, she will always be a part of the One Chicago family.

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