Noah Wyle to stick with ER

ER heart-throb Noah Wyle is to stick with the hit series until 2005 and also step behind the cameras, it was announced today.

The actor has been devoting time to his son and movie work, but has now shown his commitment to the hospital drama by signing for another year.

Viewers have followed the highs and lows of his character John Carter’s life since the series launched nearly a decade ago. He is the only original cast member to remain.

Wyle – whose film credits include cult hit Donnie Darko – will direct two episodes of ER during its 11th series.

Wyle is now show’s best known star after the departures of George Clooney in 1999 and Anthony Edwards last year.

He is to take a break from some episodes of the next series to star in the movie The Californians and spend time with his young son Owen.