Patrick Swayze Returning to TV

Copyright 2008 Bryan Bedder / Getty Images
He's set to play an FBI agent.

Is PATRICK SWAYZE's health improving? According to the New York Times, A&E has greenlit an original drama series starring the 'Dirty Dancing' actor, who confirmed earlier this year that he's battling pancreatic cancer.

"I can't wait to work on this," Swayze told the Times on Friday.

If "The Beast" goes into production this summer as expected, the 55-year-old will star as an unorthodox FBI agent with a problematic past. A&E execs said they decided to greenlight the show based on reports from Swayze and his doctors.

Published 6/7/08 by the Insider