ABC to offer ‘peace package’ to settle Nicollette Sheridan lawsuit?

[HMG] – As those of you who share the national addiction to ‘Desperate Housewives’ already know, Nicollette Sheridan is currently threatening ABC with a $20-million lawsuit, claiming assault and wrongful dismissal. Well, it seems ABC is preparing to cave.

Reports suggest the ABC suits are preparing a ‘peace package’ to motivate the British actress to drop the suit she’s currently aiming at both the show’s creator, Marc Cherry, and the network itself.

Lawyers for the two sides are already in motion and plan to subpoena numerous cast members, and even some of the crew to give evidence if Nicollette’s dramaticclaims ever emerge in a courtroom, but ABC’s bosses are now prepping a financial ‘kiss-off’ for the actress to avoid such a risk.

In the suit, Sheridan, 46, claims Marc took her to a quiet part of the set after she suggested a script change and “forcefully hit her with his hand across the face and head.” She’s now claiming “intentional infliction of ­emotional distress,” plus wrongful dismissal, and alleging that Marc ‘created a hostile work environment’ by also being ‘aggressive and abusive’ to the other actors.

“Our legal team is working to see if they can broker a compromise,” a source tells Ace. “This doesn’t mean anyone is going to hand Nicollette $20-million, but there are various incentives that might be on the table.”

One option being considered is offering the actress an advance on the repeat fees and royalties she gets from the show. And as it’s currently aired in over 70 countries that could result in a check almost as large as her evident ego.

And it’s not like she might need the money – Nicollette has already landed a new CBS sitcom and has also signed to appear in ‘Hanna,’ a new big-screen thriller starring that Australian-born jewel, Cate Blanchett.

We’ll keep you advised how this goes…