Neighbours' Jim Robinson to join Torchwood

Alan Dale has landed himself another top TV role - in Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood.

The silver-haired actor, who is best known for his role as Jim Robinson in Aussie soap Neighbours and is currently appearing in Channel 4's Ugly Betty, will join the ranks of John Barrowman and Eve Myles on the BBC Two show.

He said: "I am thrilled to be working on Torchwood and delighted to be in England again. I am a huge fan of British drama."

Buffy star James Marsters will also be making a guest appearance in the first episode - as a bit of a weirdo.

"I am a huge fan of Doctor Who and Torchwood, so it was me who knocked on the door," he explained.

"I am really excited about the character I'm playing. I can't say too much about him, except he's naughty and a bit of a psychopath.

Doctor's Who companion Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, will bring her time-travelling expertise to the show halfway through the series.

"It's a huge new challenge and a wonderful opportunity to develop and expand on the character of Martha Jones, " she said.

The series is currently shooting in Cardiff and will hit our screens next year.