James Denton Will Return To Desperate Housewives

Actor JAMES DENTON is "relieved" to learn his DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES character will live on - despite splitting from his on-screen wife, TERI HATCHER.

The star, who portrays plumber Mike Delfino on the hit TV show, admits he was overjoyed to hear that he will not be axed, just because his character is no longer engaged to Susan Mayer.

He reveals to People.com, "Mike and Susan have definitely split up.

"(But) I'm not sure exactly in what capacity (I will return). (Series creator) Marc Cherry is being a little cagey.

"It's going to be interesting to see what happens. But I will certainly be on the show. It's a relief to me, trust me."

Denton was on the verge of quitting showbusiness and starting a career as a physical education teacher when he landed a leading role on the hit show.