'The Sopranos' goes back into production

Popular HBO series The Sopranos has resumed filming after a prolonged pay dispute delayed production of the fifth season.

James Gandolfini has now inked a new deal with HBO for the new season, it has been confirmed. The network's chairman, Chris Albrecht, said: "We're delighted that the great Jim Gandolfini will be back at work in the role he has created with such distinction."

Production on the fifth season was delayed due to Gandolfini being in contract negotiations with the network since early March. Reports indicate that Gandolfini wanted a substantial pay rise above what HBO was prepared to grant; the "negotiations" even reached the stage of lawsuits being filed in both directions - Gandolfini suing to get out of his contract with HBO, and a countersuit from HBO. Earlier this week, tensions between the two parties cooled when Gandolfini dropped his suit; it now appears he is willing to work within the terms of his original contract. However, no financial details have been discussed and the door is open for a pay raise to come through to Gandolfini once production on season five resumes.