The truth is out there: Mulder and Scully could be set to make a TV comeback.

Fox has confirmed it is in talks to revive its popular Nineties sci-fi series The X Files.

TV executives Dana Walden and Gary Newman said they had been in talks with the series creator Chris Carter and stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson about a possible revival.

Newman said he was “hopeful” about plans to bring back the long-running series, but said the actors’ schedules were busy and it would be difficult to pin down a time to commit to filming.

Speaking at the Television Critics Association’s press tour, he said: “Gary and I both worked [at 20th Century Fox Television] through the entire run of The X Files. It was a great experience.

“We’ve maintained a good relationship with Chris, David and Gillian. We’re very hopeful, but it’s hard. The actors are very busy. They have a lot going on. Chris has a lot on his plate, so it’s just trying to carve out the time,” he said.

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According to Hollywood insider website Deadline, there have been no creative discussions yet about what the new series might centre on.

Carter had reportedly hinted at a possible reboot in the summer, but it is not known yet whether the actors will be able to commit to a production.

The show, which became the longest-running sci-fi series in the US, ended in May 2002.