New 'Housewives' actor cast

Warning: This article contains spoilers about upcoming episodes of Desperate Housewives which some viewers may wish to avoid.

Mehcad Brooks has been cast as the son in the new family moving into Wisteria Lane.

The 24-year-old, who has previously starred in Boston Public and Cold Case, will play Josh Applewhite, a "very attractive 22 year old strait-laced African-American man."

The part of his mother Betty, a "deeply religious woman," will be played by Alfre Woodard.

The characters will first appear in the penultimate episode of the first season, with both taking a role in the finale's cliffhanger. Woodard and Brooks will then be upgraded to full cast members next season.

"He's totally excited," a rep for Brooks told the Get Desperate! fansite. "It's a great opportunity to be on a hit show, to be opposite Alfre."