The X-Files to return but Duchovny may not

The drama centres on the investigations of special agents Fox Mulder (Duchovny), a believer in the paranormal, and Dana Scully (Anderson), a medical doctor and skeptic, as they probe unsolved FBI cases involving UFO sightings, telepaths and mutants while hidden forces seem to impede their work.

Until Tuesday, the future of the hour long thriller had been in doubt, as negotiations with Duchovny and series creator Chris Carter dragged on.

A Fox spokeswoman said on Tuesday that a deal had been struck with Carter, and that the network has decided to bring the programme back with or without Duchovny.

The X-Files will return to Fox in the fall for an eighth season with Gillian Anderson," Fox said in a statement. "Negotiations with co-star David Duchovny continue regarding his return for an additional season with the hit series."

Fox insiders have said one scenario would be for Duchovny to return next season on a part-time basis.

Appearing on Monday night on the CBS Late Show with David Letterman, Anderson said producers of the show had filmed different endings for the season finale, which airs May 21, to account for the possibility that Duchovny may not return.

Since it debuted in 1993, the show has garnered 12 Emmys, including the award for best actress in a drama series for Anderson, plus three Golden Globes for best dramatic series and a Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting. Anderson and Duchovny also starred in a 1998 movie version of the show.