LOS ANGELES, July 29 (UPI) -- Charlie Sheen is expected to start work next week on Season 8 of "Two and a Half Men," the U.S. sitcom's executive producer said.

Sheen's domestic troubles with his wife, trip to rehab and negotiations regarding "Men" have kept the actor in the media headlines since late last year.

However, executive producer Chuck Lorre said Sheen is ready to return to work when production begins next week.

"I was in denial through the whole process," TVGuide.com quoted Lorre as saying at the CBS All Stars party Wednesday. "I was just hoping that everything would work out. I was hoping he would come back because we have a lot more stories to tell."