While many spoilers have indicated that Stella is returning to the show, it’s been murky – Alicia Silverstone, who was cast in the role before dropping out in the wake of Stella’s receptionist’s casting, was originally signed on for several episodes, but Sarah Chalke’s commitment was for a single appearance, and most “Stella returns” spoilers seemed to be holdovers from before the role was recast.
Recently, most Stella speculation in the media has been a footnote to the larger “will Abby return?” discussion – if Abby came back, did that mean her boss would have to as well? ["We always said, 'You know, if her character pops, we’ll bring her back,'" was the most tactful and noncommittal thing Carter Bays could have said about an Abby return, but it was still enough to trigger forty Google Alert emails in a week.]
Anyway – someone is FINALLY seriously looking into it – Ausiello talked to Radnor when he stopped by today, and apparently “multiple sources” back up what he’s been hearing.
Whether or not Sarah Chalke returns, it looks like Stella is still in Ted’s life – look for some contact between them in upcoming episodes, although it’s up to Chalke whether things will play out on- or off-screen.