Exclusive: Sloane, Tointon, David-Lloyd for 'The Bill'

Former Hollyoaks actor Barry Sloane, ex-EastEnders actress Kara Tointon and Torchwood star Gareth David-Lloyd are to make guest appearances in an episode of The Bill, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.

Sloane - who played unhinged Niall Rafferty until November last year - takes on the role of Josh Hunt. Tointon - Walford's Dawn Swann - is to portray his screen fiancée Ami Ryan.

Meanwhile, David-Lloyd, who starred as the now-dead Ianto Jones in the Doctor Who spinoff, will appear as Jeremy Preston.

Details of the episode have yet to emerge, but it is said to revolve around a lovers' tiff.

Speaking of his appearance, Sloane told DS: "It's a box that has to be ticked on every actor's CV, especially if you've done soap! I'm glad that I've got that one covered!

"Since The Bill changed its format, I really wanted a part and am so happy to have been cast."

He added: "Kara and Gareth have been brilliant and we've had really good fun filming - we've had such a laugh."

The episode, which began filming last week, is due to wrap next week and will air towards the end of January.