ALLY MCBEAL producer DAVID E. KELLEY says he's unsure what the future holds for ROBERT DOWNEY, JR. or Ally McBeal after the actor's latest drug arrest.

The actor, 35, who acknowledges a long addiction to drugs, was released in August (00) after serving a year in prison in connection with a previous drug case. He says, "I don't know what it's going to mean for his future or the show's just yet."

Downey was arrested 25 November (00) in Palm Springs for investigation of possessing cocaine and methamphetamine, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and committing a felony while free on bail. He is to be arraigned 27 December (00) Downey went back to work on Ally McBeal. He made a quick comeback, giving a much lauded performance on Fox's Ally McBeal and agreeing to play HAMLET on stage in January (01) in a MEL GIBSON-directed Los Angeles, California, production.

Downey had completed eight Ally McBeal episodes before his arrest and was signed to do two more. (PDD/WNWA)

Source: WENN