Nicollette Sheridan to be offered package to drop lawsuit

London (ANI): In a bid to persuade Nicollette Sheridan to drop her 20-million-dollar lawsuit against Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry, the actress is being offered a "peace package", say sources.

According to sources, ABC executives can't stand the idea of an open court showdown between Cherry and Sheridan, who claims he assaulted her on set, reports The Daily Express. Therefore, network television bosses are working to come up with a financial "kiss-off" for the actress.

In papers filed at Los Angeles Superior Court she alleges that Cherry, 48, "forcefully hit her with his hand across the face and head" after she suggested a script change. The lawsuit also charges Cherry with "intentional infliction of emotional distress" and claims he meted out similar treatment to his other stars.

A source said: "Our legal team is working to get both sides together to see if they can help broker a compromise. This doesn't mean that anyone is going to hand Nicollette 20million-dollar to drop her action and walk away but there are various incentives that might be put on the table."

One of these could be offering the actress a substantial advance on repeat fees and royalties for Desperate Housewives.