Patricia Heaton To Star In New ABC Pilot

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Fans of Patricia Heaton, who enjoyed a long run on the hit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," will be happy to hear she has landed a new show. Heaton has signed with ABC to star in a pilot for a new sitcom.

The show is called "The Middle" and centers on a family in the Midwest. Heaton will play the mom.

Celebrity News Service has learned that Ricki Lake was originally cast in the role when the show was developed a few years ago. The network decided it wanted Heaton in the lead role, however, and supposedly held the show until a deal with Heaton was finalized. Heaton recently appeared in the Fox comedy "Back To You" with Kelsey Grammer. Thanks to Fox canceling the show, Heaton now has a new job.

"I am such a big fan of Patricia Heaton's," a fan told Celebrity News Service. "I still watch her in re-runs of 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' I just love her and am excited to hear that she will be in a new show."