ROSEANNE - METCALF BOWS OUT OF 24

Former ROSEANNE star LAURIE METCALF has bowed out of her role in hit US TV series 24, just weeks after landing the job.

The actress had signed up for a multi-episode role as Homeland Security official KAREN HAYES on the show, but has now been replaced with JAYNE ATKINSTON.

Producer HOWARD GORDON has praised Metcalf's acting skills, insisting they recast by mutual agreement.

He says in a statement, "We still hope that we will have the chance to create a role for (Metcalf) sometime down the line."