ABC Renews Grey's Anatomy, Castle and Four More – But Not Desperate Housewives?

ABC kicked off its portion of the Television Critics Association midseason press tour by breaking a little news: The network has officially renewed six series — Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Castle, Modern Family, The Middle and Cougar Town — through next season.

Conspicuously missing from the pickup list are Sunday staples Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters. Although Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry has a deal in place for two more seasons, the show’s core quartet — Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross and Eva Longoria — will see their contracts expire at the end of the current season. As Entertainment Weekly reported earlier this month, negotiations are already underway on new pacts that would keep them on Wisteria Lane for another season or two.

Brothers & Sisters, meanwhile, remains firmly on the bubble. Encouraging ratings this fall led ABC to increase the drama’s episode order from 18 to 22, but insiders say there’s a 50/50 chance the Walkers will bow out in May.

Cougar Town‘s pickup comes as the Courtney Cox comedy is about to relinquish its time slot to Matthew Perry’s Mr. Sunshine. ABC president Paul Lee told reporters at the press tour that he’s pleased with the show’s creative direction and ratings performance, but added that the cushy post-Modern Family perch serves as a “great launch pad for [new shows]… But we’re very pleased with [Cougar Town]. It’s really found its voice.”

Desperate Housewives: Time for Raises for the Women on Wisteria Lane?

A raise for Lynette, Bree, Susan and Gabrielle may not top your Christmas list this year but for the stars of ABC’s Desperate Housewives, it certainly would help to ring in the new year. Contracts for Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria expire at the end of the season, and EW has learned that renegotiations have already begun.

ABC hasn’t officially said whether the drama will return for an eighth year, but all signs indicate that it’s a sure thing: Creator Marc Cherry is committed to Wisteria Lane through 2013 and the drama remains the most-watched series on Sundays (12.9 million). It’s also the No. 1 non-sports program on the night in adults 18-49 (4.3 rating/10 share) and dominates its time period across all key female demographics. The show also commands a hefty ad rate that’s well north of $200,000 per 30-second spot and ranks among TV’s highest-rated scripted series among adults in homes with an $100,000-plus annual income.

Since the four stars earn the same amount — reports peg their salaries at roughly $400,000 each per episode, which makes them among TV’s highest paid stars — its likely the women will negotiate together. From what EW hears, the women continue to get along well and are dedicated to seeing through Cherry’s vision. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, Cherry’s eager to find new hits for the Alphabet network. He has a script in development dubbed Hallelujah that would center on a small town “which finds itself being torn apart by the forces of good and evil,” according to Variety . Things improve, however, when a stranger comes to town “looking to bring justice, peace, and a little bit of faith” to the residents. The project is set up at ABC Studios through Cherry’s huge overall deal.

Nicollette Sheridan Removes Abuse Claims in 'Desperate Housewives' Lawsuit

Earlier this year, TV star Nicollette Sheridan sued her former 'Desperate Housewives' employers--including the show's creator Marc Cherry, Touchstone Television Productions, ABC Studios and ABC Entertainment--for $20 million in relation to her firing.

RadarOnline.com reports that on Friday, new papers were filed, dropping some of the more shocking accusations from the original lawsuit. The actress previously claimed assault and battery, emotional distress, gender violence and wrongful termination.

In the new papers, Sheridan removed the claims of physical injury and emotional distress--and as a result, she will not have to submit to a physical and psychiatric evaluation.

She previously stated that she suffered--and continued to suffer--physical injury and emotional distress and in response, the defense demanded a physical and psychiatric evaluation.

By tweaking the suit, she will avoid any evaluations. Sheridan states in the new papers that while those claims are still valid, she is removing them to streamline the case. The defense agreed and the case will move forward as planned.

In the original lawsuit, Sheridan claims Cherry created a hostile work environment by "behaving in an extremely abusive and aggressive manner toward the individuals who work on the show."

Things worsened between Sheridan and Cherry in the fifth season. Sheridan claims on September 24, 2008, he physically assaulted her after she questioned him about something in the script. According to the lawsuit, "Cherry took her aside and forcefully hit her with his hand across her face and head."

Larry Hagman Takes A Romantic Stroll Down Wisteria Lane

Former Dallas star Larry Hagman is heading to Wisteria Lane - he's signed up to film a cameo appearance in Desperate Housewives, despite never having seen an episode of the hit show.

The veteran actor has confirmed he will play a love interest of Felicity Huffman's character's mum Stella Wingfield, played by Polly Bergen.

He tells The Hollywood Reporter, "I just decided (to do it), and am going to shoot next week."

But Hagman admits he is clueless about the hit program - and is cramming in as many episodes as possible before he shoots his scenes: "I can watch a hundred episodes on my iPad. I never watch television, so I better get started so I can see what the show's all about."

Hagman's scenes will air next year.

Teri Hatcher Fuming Over 'Untrue' Desperate Housewives Quit Claims

Teri Hatcher has blasted "ridiculously untrue" reports she's quit Desperate Housewives, insisting she will stay on the show until "it's cancelled".

The actress, who has played Susan Mayer in all seven series of the drama since it began in 2004, was said to have told executives at ABC the next season will be her last.

Britain's Sunday Express reported she was leaving the show so she could work on a new series - but Hatcher is fuming over the story, branding it a "reckless fabrication".

She's taken to her Facebook.com page to reassure fans she's continuing with her role, which she describes as "one of the highlights of my career", and is demanding a "retraction and apology" over the report.

In a series of posts, she writes, "There are not enough adjectives to describe how stupid, off base, and ridiculously untrue this is... What disturbs me the most is that one fan would consider for one second that I would 'quit' what has been... one of the highlights of my career for which I am grateful on a daily basis.

"I have never said nor inferred otherwise... I am awaiting a retraction and apology at the least... I will say it again, I love Dh, the cast and crew are like family and I am with it till it's cancelled."

Hatcher has also praised the makers of Desperate Housewives for their "new energy" on the current season, which has seen Vanessa Williams land a role.

She adds, "Vanessa Williams and the writers have brought a new energy to the show this year and I expect and hope it can continue on for a long time. I meet many people who still find so much joy in watching it and I want everyone to know I'm joyful to be involved to this day and that's not going to change."

Teri Hatcher Quitting Desperate Housewives

Teri Hatcher has quit her starring role on Desperate Housewives, according to a U.K. report.

The actress has played Susan Mayer in all seven series of the drama since it hit screens in 2004.

But Hatcher has reportedly told executives at America's ABC network the next season will be her last, so she can work on a new show.

A source said, "Teri has given in her notice and is making active preparations to move on."

"She has another production deal in the pipeline and she is in the early stages of developing a sitcom that she wants to start work on immediately after she finishes Desperate Housewives - she wants a new show in time for the mid-January pilot season."

The report also suggests Hatcher's co-star Felicity Huffman is planning to leave her role as Lynette Scavo after season eight.

It continues, "ABC hasn't announced its schedule yet because the future of the series is up in the air. Some of the crew are disappointed in Teri, they feel like she is abandoning the show that revived her career.

"Desperate Housewives can't really continue without Teri or Felicity because they need the original stars to pull in the ratings. She (Hatcher) says she had an amazing run on the show but feels it is time to move on to a project that she has more control over."

A spokesperson for ABC says, "We are working on the next season at the moment and we haven't got anything to say about the one after."

Eva Longoria Files for Divorce from Tony Parker

Three years after a storybook wedding in a European castle, Eva Longoria filed for divorce Wednesday from basketball star Tony Parker.

The Desperate Housewives star's documents were filed in Los Angeles Superior Court just one day after her rep denied that Parker had done the same in a Texas court.

The petition cites only the standard "irreconcilable differences" for the split. But this past week the couple have been rocked with infidelity rumors, with claims that Tony has been unfaithful.

Longoria is seeking spousal support from Parker. The couple have a prenuptial agreement signed the month before their wedding and updated two years later. The petition says their date of separation is still to be determined.

Longoria's attorney, Lance Spiegel, wasn't immediately available for comment.

Elaborate Wedding

Longoria, 35, and Parker, 28, were engaged in November 2006, then wed – as fireworks lit up the sky – on July 7, 2007, at Chateau of Vaux le Vicomte, a 17th Century castle on the outskirts of Paris one day after a small civil service. The double wedding celebrating came after a week of partying in Saint-Tropez, France.

In 2008, one year after their wedding, the Desperate Housewives star was plagued by pregnancy rumors, though she, Parker and her costars repeatedly denied them.

Still, Longoria Parker, said she was looking forward to having children with her husband, telling reporters in July 2008 that was eager to start a family. "I can't wait," she said at the time.

A year earlier, the two also faced rumors that the San Antonio Spurs star had cheated on his wife, though Longoria Parker stood by her husband, cheering him on at games and sharing public dinners.

"They are perfectly happy, despite everything that's going on," a source said at the time.

And, recently, the actress has pampered her husband, showering him with gifts for his 28th birthday this may. They also celebrated their third anniversary in lavish (and romantic) style with an Adriatic cruise and vacation with friends.

Eva Longoria Plans to File for Divorce Soon

Eva Longoria shot down a report that Tony Parker filed for divorce in Texas, but that doesn't appear to be the end of the marriage drama.

TMZ reported on Tuesday that husband Tony Parker filed for divorce in Texas after three years of marriage. The story later disappeared from TMZ's homepage, replaced by a retraction.

A new source has now stated that the Desperate Housewives star plans to file divorce papers of her own as early as Wednesday.

Longoria was "totally and completely blindsided" by reports appearing this week of infidelity by her NBA star husband, the source says.

The pair were married three years ago in a castle in France.

Desperate Housewives Exclusive: Cynthia Watros cast as Brie's Crazy Friend

Cynthia Watros is going back to her nutcase roots. The House and Lost actress — who picked up an Emmy in 1998 for portraying psycho stalker Annie Dutton on Guiding Light — is headed to Desperate Housewives to play Bree’s (literally) crazy friend, sources confirm to me exclusively.

We’ll meet Watros’s character in Housewives‘ ninth episode when she accompanies Bree and new boytoy Keith (Brian Austin Green) on a double date. Rumor has it Watros’ escort for the evening is Keith’s pa, played by John Schneider.

Watros will juggle her one-episode Housewives stint with her current recurring role as Wilson’s ex-wife-turned-girlfriend Sam on House.

Fall TV Premieres: Sunday, September 26th

Well we've reached the final day of this Fall's TV premiere week, even though this does not mean that all new and returning shows have premiered their new episodes. We still have shows premiering through mid-October. Tonight's premieres include new episodes of Desperate Housewives, Dexter and Brothers & Sisters.

Today's Spotlight: Desperate Housewives

As we are welcomed back to Wisteria Lane for Desperate Housewives' seventh season, the Bolens have moved on, Orson's moving out, and Susan and Mike have already moved, although not far, because they cannot afford Wisteria Lane living.

In tonight's episode, Susan gets a job offer from their landlady (Lainie Kazan) that she really wants to refuse. Meanwhile, Paul Young (Mark Moses) is moving back in, and no one's happy about it. Plus, Lynette's barb-tossing college friend Renee (Vanessa Williams) shows up. She's just visiting, she says, but Williams has joined the regular cast. Where does that leave Gaby and (the clean-shaven) Carlos? Keeping secrets from each other.

It looks like it's going to be a very interesting season on Desperate Housewives.

Tonight's premiere schedule:

7:00 pm
ABC - America's Funniest Home Videos

7:30 pm
CBS - 60 Minutes

8:00 pm
ABC - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
FOX - The Simpsons

8:30 pm
CBS - The Amazing Race
FOX - The Cleveland Show

9:00 pm
ABC - Desperate Housewives
FOX - Family Guy
SHOWTIME - Dexter

10:00 pm
ABC - Brothers & Sisters
CBS - Undercover Boss
HBO - Bored to Death
TLC - Sister Wives

10:30 pm
HBO - Eastbown & Down

All times are based on Eastern Time zone.

Vanessa William Chats with AfterElton.com About Desperate Housewives & Ugly Betty

Want proof that someone over at ABC is really smart? Well, at least one person over there had the foresight to figure out the how the hell the network would keep Vanessa Williams (aka Wilhelmina Slater of Ugly Betty) from running off to another network where she would be the classiest, sexiest and funniest thing there.

How did they do it? By moving her from Manhattan over to Wisteria Lane where she's going to bring New York sophistication to the suburbs as one Renee Perry. Michael Jensen from AfterElton.com got to chat with Vanessa this week and found her to be funny, charming and, yes, snackable!

AfterElton: How long did you make Marc Cherry beg before you agreed to join Desperate Housewives?
Vanessa Williams: [laughs] Oh, I didn't make him beg at all. We had a meeting Thursday and the deal was signed by Monday noontime, so it came so quickly. It's the quickest deal I've ever done, so I think we were both, you know, excited and happy.

AE: I have to tell you, Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives are two of my favorite shows, so having you on DH is like putting chocolate and peanut butter together. Wilhemina became such a gay icon — and so did you over the course of Ugly Betty — that she ended up having her own drag impersonators. Gay guys are obviously very into you and the character.
VW: Which my brother played, by the way.

AE: I remember that very well. Now tell me about Renee and what is going to appeal to us gay guys about this character.
VW: Well, I mean, she ain't no Wilhelmina. She's a New Yorker who comes into the lane and comments on the difference between New York and the suburban life often. Her dress is certainly not Wilhelmina as well, but she tries to do her best in terms of bringing style and flair to the lane. And she's a little bit passive-aggressive so she tends to ruffle some feathers.

She's certainly not creating the amount of fear and trepidation and the amount of scheming that Wilhelmina had on a weekly basis, but she's mixin' it up. We've shot... we're on episode seven now, so it's been kind of tasty. I've been able to work with each woman kind of one-on-one for at least an episode or so, so it's kind of nice to delve into each person's world and stir it up.

AE: Now when did you realize that you, Vanessa Williams, had become a gay icon?
VW: The first time was probably when I heard people saying, "Have you seen Priscilla, Queen of the Desert? They sing "Saved the Best for Last" at the end, you gotta see it!"- and that was years ago.

But in terms of Wilhelmina and Ugly Betty and that persona, I don't know. The thing about my career is, I've done so many things in terms of my recording career and Broadway, you know, I've performed in tons of different venues, doing "Running Back to You" at the AIDS Dance-A-Thon back in the day. I don't think there was one pivotal moment where I said, you know, I've made it as a gay icon. [laughs]

AE: It just sort of gradually dawned on you.
VW: Yeah.

AE: I've talked with Michael Urie quite a few times, and he tells a great story about how at the beginning of Ugly Betty he gives you credit for recognizing that Marc was going to be a great foil for Wilhelmina and you sort of said to the writers "We should beef this part up and bring Marc more into the story". Is that how you remember it?
VW: It was completely organic. It was our first conference room scene, and walking around the table and I was supposed to do the whole bit with Daniel and his whole crystal inscription mistake on his award, so I added the whole beckoning for Marc and he jumped to attention. You know, Michael and I had such a ... like, a symbiotic physical thing.

I remember another time where I was kind of defeated at the end of something at the conference table and I kind of sunk into my chair and Michael mirrored the exact same way I sunk into my chair, and I said wow. This guy is a fantastic actor 'cause he's aware, and he is like a part of me.

Then we did the Botox scene – that was the first thing we did that I was really thoroughly impressed with his joy and his energy and he just hit it. The [producers] said they wanted Wilhelmina to have a different assistant every week and she'd fire them, and I said "This guy is really, really good..."

Then I heard he was from Juilliard and I said okay. Not only is he fantastic, but he's got the training. I think we should definitely keep him on. He worked so well in the pilot, absolutely great, and there Michael Urie became the Marc that everybody knew and loved and we'd never get rid of, ever.

AE: It seemed like the last season of Ugly Betty really humanized Willie. How did you see that happening, if you saw it that way, and how did you feel about where Willie wound up?
VW: The fact that she got it all and the guy was wonderful. She didn't have it quite all because she didn't get her daughter back, but, you know. Unfortunately we had to wrap everything up within a few weeks after we got the notice that we were cancelled, so that was kind of unfortunate.

Especially unfortunate for the writers who have to scramble and wrap it all up in a few episodes. Again, it's one of those opportunities where if they called and said "Guess what? The gang's back on, we're all here and we're doing it again!" or "We're doing the movie!", I would jump to it in a second.

Desperate Housewives airs Sunday nights at 9:00 pm (ET) on ABC.

Gale Harold Will Have Recurring Role on The CW’s New “Hellcats” Series

Pop the champagne Gale Harold fans, he's coming back to TV!

Your favorite star, who we loved as Brian on Queer as Folk and Jackson on Desperate Housewives, returns to television this fall in a recurring role on the new CW series Hellcats.

Executive producer Kevin Murphy mentioned this casually onstage during the Television Critics Assn. Summer Press Tour so when the Hellcats session ended, I made a beeline to him and asked for all the details!

Gale plays Memphis lawyer Julian Parish and the teacher of the show’s main character of Marti Perkins (Aly Michalka).

“He’s in a bunch of episodes but he’s not technically a regular,” Murphy said. “He plays Julian Parish who is sort of like James Woods in True Believer. He’s one of those lawyers who’s made a choice not to go for the big bucks. He works sort of in a storefront thing and the way he pays the bills is he teaches at the local university. And he used [the students] as free labor. They’re his paralegals, they do his legwork for him and he’s in the process of trying to get a three strikes law overturned.”

Greg from "Greg in Hollywood" asked Murphy what made him want to cast Gale and his answer showed what a big admirer he is of the actor: “Oh my God, I was such a fan of his on Queer As Folk. He has the ability to be really, really wicked smart and also just really kind of sexy and immersive, and his character, he pulls you in. He’s a seducer and I think all the great lawyers are seducers.”

A seducer huh? we wondered if he is going to be the straight version of Brian Kinney.

Replied Kevin: “He’s a guy who, he loves the sound of his own voice, he’s an arrogant dick with his heart in the right place. He basically puts his money where his mouth is.”

Then he added: “I didn’t say he was straight. … I didn’t say he wasn’t though.”

AfterElton.com editor Michael Jensen was standing with Greg and asked Murphy to clarify the sexuality of Gale’s character.

“Honestly, I haven’t decided, I’m not being coy,” Murphy said. “We’re not dealing with that part of him [yet]. I’m not trying to tease you. I’m open to anybody being anything is more my point.”

Well, let’s keep our fingers crossed!

John Barrowman: 'Desperate Housewives Are Naughty Divas'

Actor John Barrowman is hoping writers bring his Desperate Housewives character back from the dead - because he's already missing the leading ladies' naughty, diva antics.

The Scottish-born actor played Drea de Matteo's ex-boyfriend Patrick Logan in five episodes of the drama and admits he could write a revealing book based on what he witnessed on set.

And now he's dreaming of an unlikely return to Wisteria Lane - the fictional address of the Housewives.

He tells Britain's 5 O'Clock Show, "Actually they were nothing but generous to me - that's not to say that things don't go on. I spent most time with Eva (Longoria Parker) and Drea de Matteo and we had a wonderful time.

"Eva Longoria's got a naughty sense of humor like I do. But you know, things happen on long-running shows and all the sagas that go on, so obviously there's a bit of diva-ness that goes on there. And why not?... I know (my character's) been blown up and I'm dead but I would like to work again for them."

Tuc Watkins Signs Contract for Another Season of “Desperate Housewives”

There’s a good chance that Tuc Watkins will be getting more screen time when Desperate Housewives returns for its seventh season in the fall.

Tuc, so wonderfully delicious all these years as David Vickers on One Life to Live, has played the recurring role of Bob Harper on Desperate Housewives on 2007. Bob has been one-half of the gay couple on Wisteria Lane married to Lee (Kevin Rahm) who left Bob at the end of last season.

Not sure of Kevin will be back but I’m damned glad Tuc will and, hopefully, will get the kinds of storylines he is so capable of doing.

I’d like to suggest that Bob and Andrew Van de Kamp get together! It was rumored a few seasons back but did not happen. I think Tuc and the talented Shawn Pyfrom could be very fun together.

Tuc is currently juggling an off-Broadway play with his role on the daytime soap. AfterElton’s Gays of Our Lives column reports that he will reportedly exit the soap in mid-July and report to the set of Desperate Housewives.

Gale Harold reflects on “Queer as Folk”

In the latest issue of Rage Monthly includes a really terrific interview with actor Gale Harold who played Brian Kinney for five seasons on Queer as Folk.

Gale and The L Word’s Jennifer Beals were honored earlier this month at The Center Orange County 2010 Gala Celebration for their contribution to the LGBT experience due to their roles on these landmark Showtime dramas.

Of Queer as Folk, Gale says: “There are hundreds of specific memories but I think in terms of overall memory that comes back to me is how invigorating it was to be working on that role. It was frightening to me taking on that part because I’d seen Aiden Gillen in the original [UK version] by Russell T. Davies. I’m glad that I did but it was such a strong performance, I wanted to bring something that could stand up to it. It was such a bold character and a bold performance. I needed to let everything happen as it should and try to be honest at all times. That’s one of the things I really remember. … It was a little touch and go at first because I just had to make choices and not let myself be swayed by my own self-editing or nervousness. It was very clear to me that I was taking on an important responsibility, but I didn’t want myself to get bogged down by trying to do the right thing. I didn’t want to live up to a bunch of expectations that would be unrealistic to the life the character was leading.”

Gale shares what is his favorite scene that he did and it was opposite Sharon Gless who played the mom of his best friend Michael (Hal Sparks): “There’s a scene that Sharon and I did in my loft smoking a joint. … I feel it’s some of the best work that I did in the show. It’s a moment where Brian is so alone. He actually gets to jack into someone in a way that’s just about love, you know? It’s about what he couldn’t get from his own family; he got it from his best friend’s mother. I think that’s a beautiful thing. It’s kind of how life is more often than not. Sometimes we have to take love where we can find it. He was fortunate to have Michael as a friend and then to have Michael’s mother Debbie give him some heart. He didn’t have a lot of it in his own home.”

The actor, who is straight and played Teri Hatcher’s boyfriend on ABC’s Desperate Housewives, was asked by the magazine what he thought of the recent Newsweek article in which writer Ramin Setoodeh contended that openly gay actors like Sean Hayes and Jonathan Groff are not convincing in heterosexual romantic roles.

“I think that was ill-conceived and a little strange for someone who should be supporting his comrades to take a shot like that,” Gale said. “But, hopefully, he’ll learn a lesson when he goes to Glee school and understands things better. To take a shot at Sean Hayes who has a really established career on stage and screen. Someone who now is a successful, out, working actor and to take a shot at him in Newsweek just seems so petty, you know?”

Desperate Housewives Scoop:Vanessa Williams is Moving to Wisteria Lane

There goes the neighborhood! An ABC rep confirms that when Desperate Housewives returns next season, its cast will include — as a series regular, no less — Vanessa Williams!

Series creator Marc Cherry said previously that he was looking for a new troublemaker to fill the void left by the demise of Nicollette Sheridan’s Edie. And seriously, could he — or anyone — do any better than the actress formerly known as Ugly Betty‘s queen of mean, Wilhelmina? I don't think so.

Though other deets are at the moment scarce, TV Guide Magazine has reported that her conniving character won’t be at the center of next season’s big mystery.

It will be great to have Vanessa back on TV!

Desperate Housewives Big Return on Finale

SPOILER ALERT: If you have yet to watch last night’s Desperate Housewives finale, stop reading now. I repeat, if you have yet to watch last night’s Desperate Housewives finale, stop reading now. Everyone else, onward and downward…

In last night’s Desperate Housewives season finale, the show welcomed back — as a series regular — Mark Moses as literal lady killer Paul Young. But that’s old news. Here’s some new news: When we return to Wisteria Lane next fall, he just might be joined by the amazing Harriet Samson Harris as his victim’s vigilante sister, Felicia.

“There was some talk about [me coming back] a year ago,” Moses tells me. “And there’s often talk in Hollywood. Sometimes it pans out, sometimes it doesn’t. I don’t get super-excited about a ‘maybe’ in this town, because there are lots of maybes that don’t happen. But then this last year they called up my agent and said, ‘We’re really thinking seriously about [this].’ And eventually, they made an offer, and I was very pleased.”Viewers are likely to be stoked, too. Though, as Moses notes, “the creative aspect of [Paul's 'homecoming'] remains to be seen… I doubt I’ll come back as a reformed prisoner.”

Indeed, the character won’t endear himself to the ‘hood by moving into the house that a down-and-out Mike and Susan are forced to vacate.”He was guilty of killing Felicia's sister,” he adds, “but not of killing Felicia, who then disappeared to frame him for her murder. So if Felicia shows up, that exonerates Paul. And that’s probably why he’s out of prison. I don’t think he escaped.”

So can the actor confirm that his on-screen foil is also on her way back? “I think it would be great if Harris rejoined the cast as well,” he hedges, “but I have no idea.”

In any event, Moses’ second coming on Desperate Housewives won’t impact his steady gig, playing Mad Men‘s Duck Phillips. “Mad Men shoots at different times,” he notes, “so it wasn’t an issue.”

Desperative Housewives TV Bosses Negotiating Nicollette Sheridan 'Peace Package'

TV executives are reportedly preparing to offer Nicollette Sheridan a "peace package" to convince her to drop a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry.

The actress stunned fans of the hit show earlier this month when she filed suit against Cherry, alleging he slapped her during an argument about a scene and then fired her when she complained about his behavior on set.

Bosses at ABC reportedly want to resolve the case before it heads to court, after Sheridan's lawyers indicated they intend to subpoena cast and crew members to give evidence if the matter goes before a judge. And network chiefs are preparing to make the blonde beauty an offer in return for dropping the case.

An ABC source tells the publication, "Our legal team is working to get both sides together to see if they can help ­broker a compromise. This doesn't mean that anyone is going to hand Nicollette $20 million to drop her action and walk away but there are various incentives that might be put on the table."

Co-stars Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria Parker, Felicity Huffman and Marcia Cross have released a joint statement supporting the writer in the legal battle.

Desperate Housewives Stars Pledge Support for Producer in Nicollette Sheridan Dispute

A line has been drawn on Wisteria Lane.

Desperate Housewives stars Eva Longoria Parker, Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross and Felicity Huffman issued a joint statement Tuesday pledging their support for show creator Marc Cherry in a lawsuit filed by Nicollette Sheridan.

"It would be irresponsible of us to let the public believe that being a part of this show from its inception has been anything but a blessing," the statement says. "We have no first-hand knowledge of what Nicollette may or may not have experienced, but we would never characterize our set as a hostile environment.

"It is, in fact, the opposite," the statement continues. "The friendships and support that Marc Cherry, the cast, the crew and the producers have shared for the past six years have made this a wonderful job that we are grateful for every day."

Hatcher, who plays housewife Susan on the show, separately expressed concern that the actress was singled out in the lawsuit alleging Cherry hit Sheridan in the face and that her Edie Britt character was killed off when she complained about him. Sheridan's suit alleged that when Hatcher went over Cherry's head to complain about him to ABC executives, he told Sheridan, "I hope Teri Hatcher gets hit by a car and dies."

The statement said it was "unfortunate and inappropriate" for Sheridan's attorneys to have mentioned Hatcher without her authorization.

Hatcher says: "While my adoration and respect for the classic and dynamic chemistry of the characters of Susan and Edie is indelible, I'm honored to stand with Eva, Felicity and Marcia, as a group and clarify that our set environment is nothing less than an amazingly positive experience. I have never felt discriminated against. In fact, I have felt heard and respected by Marc and other executives in regards to both my professional and personal needs."

Dixie Carter, Star of 'Designing Women,' Dead at 70

Legendary TV star Dixie Carter, who earned millions of fans on shows like 'Designing Women' and 'Diff'rent Strokes,' died Saturday morning. She was 70.

Carter's death was confirmed Saturday by publicist Steve Rohn, who represents Carter and her husband, Oscar-nominated actor Hal Holbrook. Further details, including the cause of death, were not disclosed.

"This has been a terrible blow to our family. We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy," Holbrook said in a written statement.

Carter's career spanned multiple decades on television and on the stage. TV fans may remember her best for her portrayal of Julia Sugarbaker on the CBS sitcom 'Designing Women,' on which she appeared in over 160 episodes from 1986-1993. The role came just one year following a two-season gig on NBC's 'Diff'rent Strokes,' as aerobics instructor Maggie McKinney.

Carter continued to find success in the latter part of her career, playing Randi King on three seasons of 'Family Law.' She recently appeared in a seven-episode arc on ABC's 'Desperate Housewives,' for which she received her first and only Emmy nomination.

Additional television roles included 'On Our Own,' 'Filthy Rich,' 'Lou Grant,' 'One Life to Live' and 'Out of the Blue.'

A native of McLemoresville, Tennessee, Carter also appeared numerous times on Broadway, with roles in 'Sextet' and 'Pal Joey,' as well as recent productions of 'Master Class,' as Maria Callas, and 'Thoroughly Modern Millie,' in which she played Mrs. Meers.

Carter's acting career dates back to a 1960 production of 'Carousel' in Memphis, Tennessee.

Carter was married three times -- first, to Arthur Carter, with whom she had two daughters. The couple split in 1977, and that same year, she married actor George Hearn. Carter and Hearn divorced two years later, in 1979.

On May 27, 1984, Carter married Hal Holbrook, and remained with him until her death. The couple appeared together in the film 'That Evening Sun,' her last credited role.