‘How I Met Your Mother' Season 8 Spoilers: ‘True Blood’ Hottie Joe Manganiello Returns...But Packs On The Pounds [PHOTO]

Joe Manganiello has developed a reputation as a total smoke show after numerous projects like "True Blood" and "How I Met Your Mother" started to remove the 35-year-olds shirt. It appears that fans will get to see a different side of the actor when he returns to "How I Met Your Mother"...and packs on the pounds.

Fans of the CBS sitcom have been patiently waiting for the "True Blood" hottie to make his return as Brad, Marshall Eriksen's law school buddy (and overall wild child). With his multi-arc appearance (starting in episode seven) known since August, "HIMYM" viewers have been wondering what he'll be doing when the gang run back into him.

Last time we saw Manganiello on "How I Met Your Mother," it was season five and he went on a very awkward date (hockey themed to be more specific) with Robin. As you can guess, it didn't go very well.

With his return, fans will be shocked that he's....well, chunkier! TVLine.com got their hands on some photos of the heartthrob, and it appears that he lost some of his physical charm. Pictures from his upcoming appearance in episode seven, airing Nov. 19, show Brad as scruffy and a little "let go."

According to the "How I Met Your Mother" Wiki, the Nov. 19 episode, "The Stamp Tramp," will find Marshall recommending his old law buddy Brad for a job at his firm. In usual "HIMYM" fashion though, the interview goes all wrong and it's up to Marshall to do  some damage control. As for the rest of the gang, Robin will be helping Barney "return to the strip club circuit."

Click HERE to see more hilarious photos from the upcoming Nov. 19 episode of "How I Met Your Mother."

"How I Met Your Mother" airs on Monday nights at 8 p.m. on CBS.