Information on the fifth season of Fox TV's thriller "24" is about as guarded as a new "Harry Potter" book, but some details are starting to leak out.

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Fox Entertainment President Peter Liguori told reporters at last week's Television Critics Association press tour it would take torture with "bamboo shoots" to get him to even mention the series, which will make a four-hour, two-night bow in January.

However, E! Online confirmed Monday star Keifer Sutherland would be back as agent Jack Bauer along with a new cast including former designing woman and double Emmy winner Jean Smart, indie film actor Brady Corbet and "Spin City's" Connie Britton.

Gregory Itzen also returns as President Logan and Carlos Bernard will be back as Tony Almeida.

Mary Lynn Rajskub, returning as computer whiz Chloe O'Brian, told E! security is so tight on the "24" set, the cast gets scripts at the last minute to ensure plot lines stay secret.