Chad Michael Murray tweeted some news this morning that’s been hotly anticipated by “One Tree Hill” fans — the date his character, Lucas, returns to the locally filmed drama series “One Tree Hill.”

He tweeted: “The Lucas returns OTH ep airs Feb 22nd here in the states. Not sure bout international date. It’s ep 7. Cheers all!”

So mark your calendars. The sensitive Tree Hill basketballer returns Feb. 22. Fans will undoubtedly be disappointed that Peyton (Hilarie Burton) isn’t joining him. But fans have been clamoring for his return since Murray left the show after the season six finale.

StarNews reporter Judy Royal was on the set during his visit, and she’ll be posting an interview with Murray closer to the episode’s air date.

Are you excited he’s coming back? What do you think Lucas has been up to since he left Tree Hill?