Buffy Star Is New Torchwood Villain

Torchwood will have a new villain when the smash-hit thriller returns to our TV screens early next year.

James Marsters who starred as Spike, the punk-goth vampire, in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel will be making a guest appearance in the first episode of the second series.

Commenting on his new role, James says: "I am a huge fan of Doctor Who and Torchwood so it was me who knocked on their door.

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

Neighbours? Jim Robinson ? aka Alan Dale ? will also be taking a break from his staring role as Bradford Meade in Ugly Betty to guest on the show.

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

The drama, created by Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, is currently filming for a new series to be shown on BBC Two in early 2008.