Chris Noth heads back to Law & Order

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Chris Noth is heading back to NBC's "Law & Order" franchise in 2005, the World Entertainment News Network reported Friday.

Noth, who shot to fame as Mr. Big on HBO's "Sex & the City," spent five seasons on "Law & Order" as Detective Mike Logan.

This time, Noth will reprise Logan on the "Law & Order" spinoff, "Criminal Intent."

"Criminal Intent" star Vince D'Onofrio has suffered recurring health problems this season and a show insider told WENN bringing back Noth would "protect the show" in case D'Onofrio has to leave for any period of time.