We fall for it every bloody year. No matter how good or bad the previous season of 24 has been - and we were a bit indifferent to the last one - by the time they start teasing us with the arrival of the next, we're signed up in double quick time. Sigh.

It's still not been confirmed one way or another whether 24's eighth season, which starts in January, will be the last, although signs are surely that it will be. But what has happened is that Fox has unveiled the publicity stills for the new season - including shots of new cast members such as Katee Sackhoff and Freddie Prinze Jr - and it's very much got us back in the mood for another day in the company of Jack Bauer.

It's the side characters that'll make the next season of the show rise or fall, as not since President Logan in season five has there been a supporting player who has compelled us to tune in week after week. Here's hoping the new batch can deliver the goods...!

24 returns in the US on January 17th, with UK transmission likely to be around the same time.