'Star Trek' actor joins new 'Torchwood'

John De Lancie has signed up to play a guest role in the new series of Torchwood.

Writer Jane Espenson revealed on her Twitter feed that the actor, best known for his role as Q in the Star Trek franchise, will appear in an unspecified role in ten-part series Miracle Day.

"Our friend Q from Star Trek... John De Lancie is part of the Torchwood family!" she wrote. "He's not playing Q [though]! Let's be clear!"

De Lancie appeared in eight episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation between 1987 and 1994. He also appeared in three episodes of Star Trek: Voyager and a single instalment of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

His more recent television credits include roles in Breaking Bad, Greek, The Unit and Without a Trace.

Other actors signed up for guest roles in the new series of Torchwood include Jurassic Park's Wayne Knight, Ghostbusters star Ernie Hudson and Six Feet Under's Lauren Ambrose.

Torchwood: Miracle Day will air in July on BBC One in the UK and on Starz in the US.

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