September 19, 2007 - If you fear 24 spoilers, you better look away, but keep in mind, this news was in a press release put out by FOX, and will no doubt be highly promoted.

FOX has announced the official return date for 24: Season 7, Sunday January 13th. That's not the big news though. The big news is that Tony Almeida is back! Yes, the character, played by Carlos Bernard, sure seemed dead in Season 5, but it seems we were mistaken.

From the press release:


"Day 7" of 24 will continue the show's unique and trend-setting format with compelling new elements. With CTU dismantled, the show's setting moves to Washington, DC, where Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) faces trial for his actions in the pursuit of justice. Bauer's day gets off to a shocking start when former colleague Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard), last seen in "Day 5," returns after being left for dead by a terrorist conspirator in CTU's infirmary.

"Tony's uncertain fate near the end of 'Day 5' left the door open for his return," said executive producer/show-runner 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."


The press release also confirms that Mary Lynn Rajskub ("Chloe O'Brian") and James Morrison ("Bill Buchanan") will be returning in Season 7, though CTU is no longer part of the show.

As for other cast members, here's a bit more from the press release:


Bernard's return highlights a list of notable cast members clocking in for Season Seven, including the previously announced Cherry Jones (The Heiress) as President Allison Taylor and Janeane Garofalo (The Larry Sanders Show) as FBI Agent Janis Gold. Colm Feore (Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee) will play First Gentleman Henry Taylor and Bob Gunton (Desperate Housewives) is White House Chief of Staff Ethan Kanin.

FBI Agents assigned to the team investigating the crisis befalling Bauer include Garofalo's Agent Gold in addition to Annie Wersching (General Hospital) as Agent Renee Walker, Jeffrey Nordling (Dirt) as Agent Larry moss and Rhys Coiro (Entourage) as Agent Sean Hillinger. John Billingsley (Prison Break) portrays security specialist Michael Latham.

24 resets the clock for Season Seven with a special two-night premiere event Sunday, Jan. 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Monday, Jan. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.