Joss Whedon has hinted that, although he's sure that Angel will return for a fifth season, it may be on a different network.

"I'm pretty confident we will be picked up," Joss told the Sci-Fi Wire web site. "Let me put it this way. Angel will be around. I just don't know where."

Angel's four year deal with the WB network end in May. Although Buffy's current home, the UPN network, were obliged to pick up Angel if had it been cancelled by the WB at any point in the previous two years, that arrangement has now lapsed.

The big hole in the schedule left by the end of Buffy this year may cause the network to buy up Angel as a replacement, however, The network took similar action when the WB dropped Roswell two years ago.

Whedon continued to suggest that some of the Buffy cast would be heading for Angel if and when the show is renewed. "We're still finding out who's where and what's what and making sure the show comes back," he said.

"But as far as I'm concerned, everybody should stop by... Next year, we have an entirely new thing planned, which I'm really excited about. And we'll also be seeing some Buffy characters on it."