Last year, the American TV network USA decided to cancel the series "Nikita". After more than 25,000 letters and emails from fans, "Nikita" will return. Peta Wilson is finishing up filming of the new episodes in Toronto. I caught up with the 30 year old Australian actress in NY. She talked about her return to the series as well as the character of Nikita, and her relationship with the director Damien Harris.

Peta, how did you handle the return of the series?

I'm happy to take on Nikita again. Because the last season ended badly. We ended the filming without finding a resolution for my adventures. What became of Nikita? Was she going to leave the Center and take up a new life? Would Michael ever go away without her? There were so many questions for which we owed our fans the answers.

How would you describe Nikita?

She is a rabid wolf disguised as an angel. I knew a lot of young homeless in Toronto, where we filmed the series for 4 years, who reminded me of Nikita. Teenagers who live on the street dress to scare, shock and repulse, because that's the image they want to project. But I've discovered the sensitive hearts and sublime souls beneath their shells. In fact, they're very vulnerable. I work for several organizations that help them get out of this situation.

How would you like to help these young people?

I would like to set up an foundation for them. I want to finance programs and classes in schools and colleges to help keep them stay in school. Right now the American school system kicks out troubled kids, and parents (wash their hands of them?). By themselves, these teens have little hope of getting out (of their situation). Special school programs could teach them a skill and a new life.

How does it feel to be Nikita after all this time?

The physical aspect of the character doesn't bother me, because I'm a tomboy and I've never been afraid to fight. On the other hand, this role demands a lot of psychological energy. Nikita lives in a turbulent universe, without friends or lover. She has no freedom, no outlet, no simple pleasures. I do a lot of yoga to keep from going crazy when I play Nikita. After a day of filming, I also like to practice meditation to cleanse my spirit. Acupuncture and other forms of natural medicine also help me maintain my equilibrium. But the world of Nikita sometimes affects my private life by making me more demanding of those around me.

Has the role affected your relationship with the director Damian Harris?

It's sad to say, but Damian and I are no longer together. The series demands 16 hour work days. At the end of the day, I don't want to go out, to talk or to meet people. That became harder and harder for Damian. I had no choice because there are 180 people working on this series who are counting on me. We've been separated for several months but it's still hard to talk about it. You can't live with someone for 8 years and then forget them from one day to the next. Damian is a director who's very talented and I wish him success.

It's been mentioned that you have a relationship with Russell Crowe. Is there anything to that?

There's no particular person in my life and I'm not looking to replace Damian right away. I tried to build a lasting relationship and it failed. There's no chance of my repeating that error immediately! And even less with an actor! I love artists but I prefer those who work behind the camera.

What's the future for "Nikita"?

I think that the 8 episodes we're finishing in Toronto will be the last of the series. That said, our fans forced the producers to make 8 new episodes, when the series had been cancelled last August. Perhaps Nikita will take up her service once or twice a year for a TV movie. I don't want more than that because I have other projects at the moment.

You're also going to be the star of "A Girl Thing". What's that about?

It's 4 women's stories which take place simultaneously in a four part mini-series. They have one thing in common - their psychiatrist, played by Stockard Channing. Sex, love, relationships, family - it's all there. "A Girl Thing" gave me the opportunity to participate in a project centered on women. Mia Farrow, Kate Capshaw, Linda Hamilton, Elle MacPherson, Camryn Manheim and Rebecca DeMornay are also part of this great adventure.

- Henry Arnaud