Nigel Harman to join Hotel Babylon

Ex-EastEnders' star Nigel Harman will be joining the cast of Hotel Babylon - as Max Beesley's replacement.

The former soap hunk will be checking into the fictional five-star hotel as charismatic business tycoon Sam Franklin, the BBC has confirmed.

Sam discovers that the hotel is about to be sold - and when he finds out that his ex-wife Juliet (Anna Wilson-Jones) is the new manager he decides to buy the business, becoming Babylon's new owner.

BBC bosses apparently wanted a five-star attraction to replace Max and Tamzin Outhwaite, who have both left the show.

A source said: "Nigel seems like a great choice - he has charisma and is sure to get female fans tuning in. He's a great replacement for Max. The hotel will see quite a few changes with him in charge, it'll definitely get a makeover."

Sarah Brandist, the BBC's commissioning editor of independent drama, said: "The introduction of Nigel Harman as Sam will most definitely stir things up for those who check in, not least his ex-wife - and there's also a few other surprises in store!"

Nigel joins cast regulars Dexter Fletcher and Emma Pierson for the fourth series, which wil air on BBC1 in 2009.