Not everybody loves Raymond's deal

America's second biggest sitcom has been hit by a pay row that is putting its new series at risk.

And work on Everybody Loves Raymond has been further delayed after one of the show's stars called in sick.

Problems started on set when Brad Garrett, who plays the brother of star Ray Romano refused to work until his demands for a pay rise were met.

Romano recently signed a contract to become the highest paid comedy actor on TV, earning $1.8million (£1.2million) an episode - but several supporting cast members are said to be unhappy about their deals.

In a statement, Garrett's agents said: "CBS elected to make a one-year deal with Ray Romano making him the highest-paid sitcom actor ever. Ray deserves every penny.

"At the same time, despite our repeated attempts to discuss Brad's salary over the past months, CBS has refused to talk to us. Brad earns less than ten per cent of Ray's salary and is the lowest paid member of a grossly underpaid supporting cast.

"If we don't come to a fair deal, we feel comfortable walking away."

However CBS said: "We have accommodated Brad's request to negotiate new contracts twice over the past four years. The most recent agreement calls for Brad's services through the eight season of Everybody Loves Raymond. It is unfortunate that he is not honouring his contract."

Everybody Loves Raymond is the second highest rated comedy in the US behind Friends.

Published: 18 Aug 2003