David Duchovny says he would be "happy" to reprise his role as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder in a new season of The X-Files and suggests the show will return "soon rather than later."

David DuchovnyDavid Duchovny starred in The X-Files for nine seasons, and could return

During the recent TCA press tour, Fox executives discussed bringing back the acclaimed sci-fi show in a similar format to that of 24. Fox Television Group chairman Dana Walden told journalists: "It was a great experience. We've maintained good relationships with Chris, David and Gillian. We're very hopeful, but it's hard. The actors are very busy. They have a lot going on. Chris has a lot on his plate, so it's just trying to carve out the time."

More: The X-Files likely to return - Duchovny and Anderson in talks

Speaking to USA Today, Duchovny confirmed that he would be up for returning on a limited run.

"[I'd be] more than happy and excited to bring it back and do it again with Gillian [Anderson] and Chris [Carter]"

"I'm assuming that it will happen sooner rather than later now. We'll see what form, how many [episodes].

"Certainly I can't nor would I be interested in doing a full season. It will be in some kind of limited form. We're all old, we don't have the energy for a full season."

More: Gillian Anderson wins Evening Standard award for Streetcar Named Desire

Gillian Anderson - who recently scored acclaim with the BBC crime-drama The Fall - has also speculated on the show's return, telling This Morning, "It's always a matter of it actually happening - and there's a lot that needs to happen between the idea and actually turning up on set, and I don't unfortunately have any control over that.

"But would I do it? I would, yes."

The X-Files remains one of the most popular sci-fi series' of all time and originally ran for nine seasons between 1993 and 2002. Duchovny and Anderson played FBI agents Mulder and Scully investigating an international alien conspiracy.