'Men' exec relieved about Sheen return

Two and a Half Men executive producer Chuck Lorre has admitted that he is pleased Charlie Sheen has returned to the show.

Sheen's future on the sitcom was previously in doubt after he was charged over a row he had with his wife Brooke Mueller on Christmas Day.

However, Sheen eventually signed a new deal and is due to start filming the new season next week.

According to TV Guide, Lorre said: "I was in denial through the whole process. I was just hoping that everything would work out. I was hoping he would come back because we have a lot more stories to tell."

He added: "I love the show and I love the cast and we have a great group of writers who have been a family for seven years. I certainly didn't want it to end. But if it did end, we had a great run."

Lorre also dropped some hints about the new season of Two and a Half Men, saying: "Jake's getting older and I think there's going to be a big surprise in the first episode. It will be really interesting to see how people respond.

"Charlie's emotionally off the rails following the break-up of his engagement with Chelsea and he's going to make a series of terrible life changes."

Two and a Half Men returns for a new season on September 20 on CBS.