Actor Nigel Harman - best known for his role as EastEnders' Dennis Rickman from 2003 to 2005 - has joined the cast of Casualty as Dr Max Cristie, Holby ED's new Clinical Lead.
Harman will make his debut as Max on BBC One later this month.
Announcing his arrival, the BBC said: "Charming, brilliant, and a lovable rogue who lives by his own rules, Dr Max Cristie is the doctor everyone wants to be treated by.
"However, not all the staff at Holby ED will be happy to see him, notably current clinical lead Dylan (played by Will Beck), who is less than pleased to be reacquainted with a face from the past.
"It's clear from the outset that the pair have unresolved history, which we soon discover goes all the way back to medical school.
"There's no time for pleasantries in this job, though, and Max soon finds himself in the thick of the action on his first shift - it's life and death stakes from the outset."
"I'm honoured and grateful to be joining the cast of Casualty," said Harman.
"Many pals have donned the famous scrubs over the years and had a ball, so for me it was an easy decision.
"With Max, the viewers can expect a character who leads with his heart and not always his head. Never afraid to get in a scrape or two, yet loyal to the end, even if it means putting himself in danger."
Jon Sen, Executive Producer for BBC Studios, added: "When we conceived the character of Max, we knew we needed an actor with craft, charm, and charisma, and we approached Nigel knowing he'd be the perfect choice.
"We were over the moon when he agreed to play the role, and from what we've seen so far, Nigel's creating an iconic character who is set to stir things up within the Emergency Department. We can't wait for the audience to meet Max."
