The Vampire Diaries is getting closer to its end, and Elena Gilbert, who was played by Nina Dobrev during the first six seasons of the series, is still very much a part of the drama – even if she is not physically present. Fans saw just a taste of Elena’s lasting impact on the last episode, which revisited an important event from Damon and Elena’s past.

Ian Somerhalder spoke about the impact Elena will have on the remaining episodes of the The CW series with TV Line. He said the following:

“I don’t know exactly what’s happening, but I do know one thing: Elena never really left. She’s always ever-present, and she plays a great deal into Damon’s morality, his understanding of who he is — especially in these last episodes. Despite everything he’s gotten involved with, he’s still trying to make decisions Elena would approve of, because she is still the light in his life, even cast in the darkness of her absence.”

Will fans of the series see Nina Dobrev on the finale in March? Somerhalder made it clear that he had no idea. The writing of the finale was completed just last week.

Do you want to see the return of Elena Gilbert before The Vampire Diaries ends? Tell us what you think.