Phil Robertson could return to Duck Dynasty in January after suspension

The US reality TV star may feature in new episodes due to air in early 2014

Robertson could return to the reality TV series Duck Dynasty in mid-January after he was suspended by a US network for comments made in an interview (Getty Images)

Reality TV star Phil Robertson could return to hit US show Duck Dynasty as soon as January, after being suspended earlier this month for controversial comments made in an interview.

According to Entertainment Weekly, a source close to the situation has confirmed that when the show's network, A&E, resumes airing new episodes of Duck Dynasty on 15 January 2014, footage featuring Mr Robertson will remain intact.

The network allegedly hopes that the media and fan furore will cool down over the festive period and that tensions over shooting future episodes can then be resolved.

“There’s no negotiation to have; we’re doing the show," the source said. "We’ll figure out a solution. It’s just not going to happen overnight. Everybody will take a break for the holidays and regroup afterward. That’s probably the smartest thing for everyone to do. Time heals a lot of wounds."

The US network suspended Phil Robertson, the show’s family patriarch, last week for making homophobic remarks in a recent interview with GQ magazine.

The 67-year-old claimed homosexuality was one step away from bestiality and compared gays to adulterers and slanderers.

But while criticism has been rife, others have defended Robertson.

Louisiana's lieutenant governor Jay Dardenne has offered to help find new producers if the Robertson family cannot reach an agreement with A&E, stating that Duck Dynasty is “an important representation” of the state as a question mark hangs over the future of the reality TV show.

“Regardless of one's views on Phil Robertson's statements, Duck Dynasty has been an important representation of the state of Louisiana, inspiring prospective visitors and investors since its debut," Mr Dardenne said.

Duck Dynasty centres on the Robertson’s family home in Ouachita Parish. In February, KNOE-TV of Monroe reported that the programme was bringing in visitors from across the country who would not otherwise visit north-east Louisiana.

Mr Dardenne, whose job includes running the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and who authored the state's film and TV tax credit programme, said he would use his influence in the state's industry to help the Robertsons.

"If the Robertson family cannot come to an agreement with A&E and wants to continue the show, Louisiana already has the infrastructure in place to maintain their record-breaking programme," Mr Dardenne added.

His boss, state governor Bobby Jindal, has also commented on the controversy, saying on Thursday (19 December) that everyone was entitled to express their opinions.

In a statement responding to the criticism, Robertson said: "My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together.

"However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and, like Him, I love all of humanity.

“We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other."

Popular show Duck Dynasty about Phil, his brother Si and his four sons, regularly attracts more than 10 million viewers. A network spokesman said nine of next season's 10 episodes were already filmed, which means Phil Robertson is probably not needed before next March.

Additional reporting by AP