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Fans of 24 have been patiently waiting for the series to receive a proper conclusion ever since season 8 ended on a cliffhanger way back in 2010. For years, a big screen continuation was promised, but numerous attempts to bring Jack Bauer back to life failed again and again (everything from script issues to Kiefer Sutherland being unhappy with the amount of money Fox were offering were given as the reason why).

Well, following last year’s announcement that a 12-episode event series was being planned, we now know that 24: Live Another Day will debut (in the US at least) with a special two-hour premiere on Monday, May 5th. The official press release also confirms earlier reports that it will be both set and shot in London, with the focus again on Jack as “he attempts to thwart an unthinkable terrorist attack that could change the world forever.”

Joining Sutherland will be Mary Lynn Rajskub (Firewall), Kim Raver (Revolution) and William Devane (The Dark Knight Rises) reprising their original roles, while newcomers include Yvonne Strahovski (Dexter), Giles Matthey (Jobs), Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Wire), Michael Wincott (The Crow) and Judy Davis (Life with Judy Garland).

Despite the vague description of the series given above, TV Line do have a few additional details. Set four years after the events of season eight, 24: Live Another Day will still occur in real time, but with a two-hour jump between each episode.

James Heller (William Devane) is now the President of the United States, while his daughter – and Jack’s former flame – Audrey (Kim Raver) has a role in his administration. Surprisingly, Chloe (Mary Lynn Rajskub) has now left CTU and turned against the government, possibly leading to her clashing with Bauer as he attempts to protect the world from Judy Davis’ still fairly mysterious villain. Yvonne Strahovski meanwhile will be playing a CIA agent. Unfortunately, those involved with the show remained coy when asked if there’s any chance we’ll see Kim Bauer (Elisha Cuthbert) or Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard) make a return.

With the promise that 24: Live Another Day will both satisfy old fans and be welcoming to new, this is some very exciting news indeed. What do you guys think?