Richardson back in 'Nip/Tuck' fold

By Nellie Andreeva

June 25, 2007, ET

Joely Richardson is returning for the fifth season of the hit FX drama "Nip/Tuck" with a sizable raise.

She is set to appear in 15 of the 22 episodes of the show's upcoming season, starting with Episode No. 2.

According to sources, the salary bump will bring Richardson's pay next season to $1.3 million-$1.5 million, or close to $100,000 an episode. FX and reps for the British actress declined comment Friday.

Richardson's return to "Nip/Tuck" follows months of speculation about the future of her and her character on the show, prompted by comments in the press made by Richardson in November regarding a serious health issue with her teen daughter. It is understood that Richardson's daughter is doing much better now.

Last season, Richardson did 11 out of 15 episodes in order to be able to spend more time with her family in England. In her last episode on the show, her character, Julia, Sean McNamara's (Dylan Walsh) troubled estranged wife, left him and moved to New York with daughter Annie and son Matt.

The upcoming fifth season of "Nip/Tuck" will be set in Los Angeles, where McNamara and his business partner Christian Troy (Julian McMahon) moved in the Season 4 finale.

The series hails from creator/executive producer Ryan Murphy, Warner Bros. TV and the Shephard/Robin Co.

Richardson, who received two Golden Globe nominations for her role on "Nip/Tuck," is repped by ICM and Abi Harris of Finch & Partners in London.

Richardson back in 'Nip/Tuck' fold

By Nellie Andreeva

June 25, 2007, ET