The X Files: David Duchovny 'started crying' when reading new script for TV revival

Duchovny will return with original co-star Gillian Anderson for a new series

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as Mulder and Scully in The X Files

David Duchovny has revealed that he broke down in tears when reading the script for the long-awaited X Files revival.

Duchovny played FBI agent Fox Mulder in the original cult sci-fi series that came to an end in 2002 after launching in 1993 and winning 16 Emmys and five Golden Globes.

It was announced earlier this month that The X Files will return for eight new episodes next January with both Duchovny and co-star Gillian Anderson back in their lead roles as Mulder and Dana Scully.

"I started crying reading the first page. It was just so strange to see the names on the page," Duchovny told Entertainment Weekly. "It had nothing to do with the script itself. It was just like, I'd been talking about this for a long time. We'd been planning it for a long time. It took a long time to get all the people in the same place and get the deal with Fox.

"Now it's the fun part. Now we actually get to do it. That was nice and strangely emotional for me and I'll have to figure out how to use that."

Details about the plotline remain tightly under wraps but while Duchovny can tell fans "absolutely nothing", he did say that what's in store is "fantastic" and he would not rule out a second series.

"I think everybody is open ended on what happens after this," he said. "Certainly we didn't bring it back with the idea of ending it."