Life imitates art as TV drama Mad Men is saved in commercial row

The 1960s-set American ad agency drama Mad Men has been saved after the show's creator, Matthew Weiner, struck a $30million (19million) deal with cable channel AMC after a bitter commercial dispute.

Negotiations between the parties were said to be close to collapse this week, as Weiner fought demands involving product placement, cast changes and a reduced running time.

But yesterday AMC confirmed that the acclaimed show would return to television screens.

The fifth season was due to begin in the summer but its return has been delayed until early 2012 as a result of the wrangle.

However, the future of the main characters is in doubt as AMC look to cut costs.

While highly paid star Jon Hamm (Draper) will return, Christina Hendricks, who shot to fame as the voluptuous office manager Joan Holloway, has instead signed up for the Neil LaBute film Seconds of Pleasure and is unlikely to feature.

In a statement, AMC said it had "officially authorised the production of season five of Mad Men, triggering our option with (producer] Lionsgate."

"While we are getting a later start than in years past due to ongoing, key non-cast negotiations, Mad Men will be back for a fifth series in early 2012."

The irony of the dispute involving a show about Madison Avenue has not gone unnoticed, with AMC initially wanting to introduce more product placement and cut the running time to 45 minutes to allow for more advertising.

The postponement of Mad Men is a blow to BSkyB, which last year out-bid the BBC for the stylish show and has already used it heavily in the promotion of its new Sky Atlantic channel.

The deal over two years will make Weiner the highest paid "showrunner" on cable television.

Yesterday, Weiner told the New York Times: "I don't understand why, with all the success of the show, they suddenly need to change it. All I want to do is continue to make my show."