House executive producer Katie Jacobs has explained how the show will deal with Olivia Wilde’s absence.

Wilde, who plays Thirteen, will miss several episodes of the new season because she is working on the movie Cowboys & Aliens.

However, Jacobs told Fancast that House will include a storyline explaining Thirteen’s departure and eventual return.

“It’s linked to narrative,” she said. “When Thirteen does come back, it’s not like she’s just going to be sitting in the office doing a diagnosis. There’s a real reason why she had to leave – it’s surprising and juicy and it deepens her character and our understanding of her.”

The new season of House will premiere on September 20 on Fox.