JACK - WILL . GRACE STARS CARRY ON

WILL + GRACE foursome Will, Grace, JACK and KAREN will continue to appear on our TV screens until at least the 2004/2005 season - thanks to a recent deal inked with network NBC.

Stars DEBRA MESSING, ERIC McCORMACK, MEGAN MULLALLY and SEAN HAYES are also set for significant salary rises, although details are being kept under wraps by NBC.

However, sources claim the new deal will boost the two leads' current pay cheques to $250,000-$275,000 (GBP137,000-GBP193,000) per episode, culminating in a rise to $400,000 (GBP267,000) in the seventh season - while the camp supporting twosome will receive only slightly less.

The terms of the negotiation also means all four stars have a small profits-share in the much-watched sitcom.