'Neighbours' casts another new doctor

Neighbours bosses have announced that award-winning actor John Wood has joined the cast of the soap, taking on the part of an Erinsborough doctor.

The 64-year-old, best known for playing Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon in police drama Blue Heelers, starts filming with the Ramsay Street drama next week and will appear on screen for six months.

Wood's latest role sees him portray strict medical man Martin Chambers, who has a reputation for taking his work very seriously.

As new doctor Rhys Lawson (Ben Barber) starts to get settled in at the Erinsborough Hospital, he soon learns that Martin doesn't suffer fools gladly.

Speaking of Neighbours' latest casting, executive producer Susan Bower commented: "We're all thrilled to welcome John to Ramsay Street for what is going to be a great story."

Wood's 12-year role on Blue Heelers helped him to secure Australia's prestigious Gold Logie prize in 2006. He has also starred in Rafferty's Rules, Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities and Offspring.

Australian viewers will see Martin's first appearance on screen in September.

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