Twin Peaks return confirmed for 2017

Sherilyn Fenn (Audrey Horne) returns for the new series.

Twin Peaks will return to US television screens in early 2017, broadcaster Showtime has confirmed.

Network head David Nevins told reporters at the Television Critics Association's press tour in Los Angeles that he was incredibly excited about the 25 minutes of footage he had seen.

"It was stupendous. It was incredibly exciting. I don't want to sit here and overhype it, but I was incredibly excited. You definitely felt like you were in the hands of a master," he said.

David Lynch, co-creator of the cult 90s drama set in the fictional town of Twin Peaks, has shot around half of the first season of the revived drama and will direct all the episodes. He has written the new series with co-creator David Frost.

Kyle MacLachlan is already on board to reprise his breakthrough role of FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper. The man with a love of cherry pie and a "damn fine cup of coffee" originally investigated the murder of popular local teenager Laura Palmer, portrayed by Sheryl Lee, when the show premiered in 1990.

Stars returning for the new Twin Peaks reportedly include Sherilyn Fenn, who played Audrey Horne, and Miguel Ferrer (Albert Rosenfield).

Mr Nevins said: "I would not hold my breath for an announcement of all the casting of Twin Peaks." However, Lynch collaborator Laura Dern is rumoured for a pivotal role and James Belushi of According To Jim fame is also reported to be among the cast.

- AAP