Kiefer Sutherland 'very nervous' about 24: Live Another Day expectations

Kiefer Sutherland stars as Jack Bauer in 24 (Getty)

Kiefer Sutherland has admitted he is "very nervous" about reprising his role as Jack Bauer for the new series of 24, starting next week.

The Canadian actor, 47, plays the tough anti-terrorism agent in the hit TV series, which returns on Wednesday for 12 episodes.

But knowing expectations for 24: Live Another Day are high has been weighing on Sutherland's mind. "The fear of not having it fulfil all of its potential is massive," he told The Telegraph. "People will judge for better or for worse but yeah, there’s a lot of nervousness on my behalf."

"There was this great sense of accomplishment when we finished the eight seasons of (24) and it’s a character that has changed my life in so many ways."

Set in London, the storyline will follow Bauer as he battles to save President James Heller (William Devane) from assassination. The new run will see each episode shot in real-time to represent a 24-hour-day.

Stephen Fry will be joining the cast as British Prime Minister Trevor Davies, with Mary Lynn Rajskub returning as Chloe and Kim Raver back in her role as Audrey Raines.

Sutherland has teased that Bauer will be "harder and colder than he’s ever been".

Fox will premiere 24: Live Another Day on Monday night, with the UK seeing it two days later on Sky 1.