Judge won't dismiss 'Desperate Housewives' suit

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A judge has refused to dismiss Nicollette Sheridan's lawsuit over the demise of her role on "Desperate Housewives."

City News Service says Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Allen White urged the parties Wednesday to continue settlement talks but set a new trial for Sept. 10.

A jury deadlocked 8-4 in favor of Sheridan's claim after a trial last month.

Sheridan sued ABC/Disney and series creator Marc Cherry for $6 Million for wrongful termination after her character, Edie Britt, was killed off in a 2008 episode. She seeks punitive damages.

Sheridan claimed her role was eliminated because she complained that Cherry struck her in the head during an on-set dispute.

Cherry said he merely tapped her on the head for artistic direction and the character's death was a creative decision.