Patrick Swayze Hopeful For TV Series

Cancer-stricken PATRICK SWAYZE is already planning his return to work - he's hoping his new TV series THE BEAST will be commissioned by a U.S. cable channel.

The actor revealed earlier this week (26May08) that he is responding well to treatment for pancreatic cancer.

And now TV network A+E is so pleased with the news of the star's wellbeing, bosses have hinted they may pick up the pilot for the series, which was filmed last year (07).

Network spokesperson Michael Feeney says, "We're delighted to hear the news that he's doing well.

"He completed a phenomenal pilot in December, and it remains in strong contention to become a series. It's one of several pilots we have in development to become a series on A+E. But the network has not made a decision yet."

Annett Wolf, Swayze's publicist, adds, "He's doing well. We're waiting to hear about the pilot."

If picked up, production on The Beast would begin in the summer or early autumn (08), according to the New York Daily News.