NCIS on CBS has featured forensic psychologist Jacqueline ‘Jack’ Sloane (played by Maria Bello) since season 15 and the character has become a foil for Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon). Maria Bello revealed in an interview what Jack Sloane really thinks of Gibbs. The Jack Sloane actress has also teased that she will team up with Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) to protect Gibbs from a huge threat in NCIS season 17, which will air on Fox in the UK. Related articles NCIS season 17: Is Ziva David back for good in NCIS? NCIS season 17 spoilers: Will Ziva David team up with Jack Sloane? NCIS: What does Jack Sloane star really think of Gibbs? Speaking to Digital Spy, Bello revealed how her character feels about her fellow agent. She said: “What I really liked about Jack Sloane was that she was on equal footing with Gibbs, that she didn't work for him, he doesn't work for her. "So, they really are colleagues and respect each other a lot and you'll see over the next few seasons how our relationship deepens and we become better friends." This, she explained, was what attracted her to the role: "For me, especially the age I am and being a woman, I wanted to make sure that I portrayed a character who was in a position of power and respect." WHY PAULEY PERRETTE WILL NEVER RETURN TO NCIS? Maria Bello says Jack Sloane is (Image: CBS) Maria Bello has played Jack Sloane in NCIS since 2017 (Image: CBS) The pair have grown closer throughout the seasons since she first appeared on NCIS in 2017. They still regularly face off over NCIS cases, but this combat now comes out of a place of admiration. However, their relationship is set to get even deeper if a recent hint from Bello plays out in NCIS season 17. In an interview, she hinted that Jack may team up with Ziva to save Gibbs’ life. NCIS SEASON 17 RELEASE DATE, CAST, TRAILER, PLOT Related articles NCIS season 16 spoilers: Is Ziva David returning to NCIS? NCIS season 16, episode 24 recap: How did NCIS season 16 end? Jack Sloane may help save Gibbs' life in NCIS season 17 (Image: CBS) Ziva returned to NCIS in the season 16 finale to warn Gibbs that he was in trouble. When she was revealed at the end of the episode, the first thing Ziva said was: “Hello, Gibbs. No time for pleasantries — you’re in danger.” Bello told Entertainment Tonight: “I’m hoping I get some scenes with her next season. “I’ve never met her, I never got to work with her, so hopefully this next season she’ll be coming back and we’ll find out what happens with Ziva.” Could the pair team up to help protect Gibbs from whatever danger he faces? IS AGENT GIBBS LEAVING NCIS? Maria Bello may be leaving at the end of NCIS season 17 (Image: CBS) The NCIS crew are keeping tight-lipped about any future plots from season 17. However, if a threat is enough for Ziva to break five years of cover, then it might need the talents of the entire NCIS team including Jack. Though Gibbs and Sloane have grown closer, their friendship could be coming to an end at the end of NCIS season 17. After all, Bello’s contract comes to an end then, meaning that unless she decides to renew the character could be written off the show. NCIS season 17 is coming soon to CBS and Fox.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility