Since Will Ferrell formally announced that Paramount Pictures had finally and sensibly given the green-light to an as-yet untitled Anchorman sequel, it's been a question whether or not Veronica Corningstone would be returning.  From the get-go, it was clear that Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and David Koechner would be back as Burgundy, Brick Tamland, Brian Fantana, and Champ King, respectively.  But now we know that the lovely Applegate will indeed be returning to San Diego for the sequel.

Though she wasn't included in the exceedingly teaser-y Anchorman 2 teaser trailer that debuted earlier this month, a representative of Applegate confirmed to CeleBuzz that the Up All Night star and Married...With Children veteran is set to return for another go-round.

Earlier this week, none other than David Koechner said to E! News that Corningstone would definitely have a part to play in the long-awaited follow-up, but couldn't say much about the story.  He reiterated that it will be set around the time that 24-hour news channels came to prominence, a story element that director and co-writer Adam McKay previously alluded to.  As for just what Corningstone will be up against this, McKay has said that the plot could very well involve a paternity suit, presumably between Corningstone and the hyper-virile Burgundy.

McKay and Ferrell are currently writing the screenplay, with a release set for some unspecified date in 2013.  Production is scheduled to being in January of next year.