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Tony Almeida is to make a return to 24 next season, it has been confirmed.

The seventh season - airing in the US and UK from January - is set in Washington DC, where Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is facing trial for his previous actions. He is shocked by the sudden arrival of Almeida (Carlos Bernard), presumed dead after an assassination attempt in season five.

"Tony's uncertain fate near the end of Day 5 left the door open for his return," said executive producer Howard Gordon. "And since there was no silent clock at the conclusion of his last appearance (the 24 tribute to a major character's demise) we always kept this as a possibility."

As previously revealed, 24 staple CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) will be absent from the new season, although fan favourites Chloe O'Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub) and Bill Buchanan (James Morrison) will be returning. Cherry Jones is to play the new female President, Allison Taylor.