Downey signs for eight more 'Ally' episodes

LOS ANGELES — Troubled actor Robert Downey Jr. has agreed to appear in eight more episodes of the Fox series "Ally McBeal,'' his publicist said Wednesday.

"Working on 'Ally McBeal' has been such a satisfying process that I am grateful to have been asked to continue on for the remainder of the season,'' Downey said in a Fox-issued news release.

Downey, 35, plays the love interest of Ally McBeal, played by Calista Flockhart.

The role earned him a Golden Globe award for supporting actor last month.

The deal was struck Tuesday, Downey publicist Alan Nierob said. Terms were not disclosed.

Downey's first appearance back on the show will be Feb. 26.

Fox executives have maintained their support of Downey since his Thanksgiving weekend arrest on drug charges at a Palm Springs resort. His next court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 21. He was released from prison last August after serving nearly a year for violating probation on previous drug arrests.

"Robert is an incredible talent, and he and Calista just push each other to new levels week after week,'' the show's creator, producer David E. Kelley, said in the Fox statement.

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