The fans of Jersey Shore can now breathe a huge sigh of relief as America’s favorite fist pumpers will be returning for a third season of the hit show!

News and reports of a strike hit the web this week as TMZ reported the entire cast refused to film home scenes for the third season because they wanted a raise from MTV.  The cast wanted $30,000 per episode, a 200% raise from the $10,000 per episode they earned for the 2nd season.

It seems MTV is very confident in this cast because the 2nd season has yet to air!  It is however set to debut on July 29. No word yet on how much the cast will actually receive from MTV.  TMZ did report some of the more popular cast members aka Snooki, The Situation, will get more money than their peers.  Angelina will not be back for season 3.

In other Shore news, Snooki covers this month’s issue of Steppin’ Out magazine, and dishes on her castmates and the downfalls of fame.

“Myself, Pauly, Vinny and Jenny [J-Woww], we’ve all stayed the same,” she says in the new issue of Steppin’ Out magazine. “We’re the closet friends in the house. I trust them with my life…It hasn’t gotten to our heads.”

Snooki, 22, says she realizes she and The Situation are more popular than their co-stars.  “I know the others want the same opportunities that Mike and I get, but we don’t control those things,” she says. “The media isn’t asking for the others so they can’t really be mad at me.”

After acknowledging DJ Pauly D‘s rising stature as a DJ and Jenni “Jwoww” Farley‘s fashion line, Snooki adds, “I can understand why the others might be jealous. They aren’t doing anything, but they should still be happy for me.”

Snooki also gives her sob story touches on the pitfalls of fame.  “I miss my old life,” she sighs. “I miss being able to be around my family and at home. I miss going out with my friends and going out to a bar. I can’t do that anymore. When I try to do that, I get attacked by the fans.”