'Torchwood' to air on BBC Two

Filming has begun on a new series of Torchwood, the drama created by Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, which will be shown on BBC Two early next year.

Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), Gwen (Eve Myles), Owen (Burn Gorman), Tosh (Naoko Mori) and Ianto (Gareth David-Lloyd) return as the close-knit team of investigators solving alien and human crimes as they delve into the underworld of modern day Cardiff.

Making a special guest appearance in the first episode is James Marsters who starred as Spike, the punk-goth vampire, in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel.

Marsters said: "I am a huge fan of Doctor Who and Torchwood so it was me who knocked on their door. I am really excited about the character I am playing. I can't say too much about him, except he is naughty and a bit of a psychopath."

Later on in the run former Neighbours actor Alan Dale, currently appearing in US shows Ugly Betty and Lost, makes a star appearance.

Dale said: "I am thrilled to be working on Torchwood and delighted to be in England again. I am a huge fan of British television drama."

Another familiar face among the surprise guest stars is Doctor Who's companion Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, who brings her time-travelling expertise and medical skills to the team halfway through the series.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to working with the Torchwood team and can't wait to start filming. It's a huge new challenge and a wonderful opportunity to develop and expand the character of Martha Jones."

The 13-part series has been written by Chris Chibnall, Catherine Tregenna, Helen Raynor, James Moran, Joseph Lidster, Peter J Hammond, JC Wilsher and Matt Jones.

Created by Davies, with Chris Chibnall as co-producer and lead writer, the first series, which aired on BBC Three last year, achieved the channel's highest ever ratings – with an audience of 2.5 million for the first episode.

Russell T Davies said: "Filming is well underway in Cardiff, and we're aiming to make the show bigger and bolder than ever, as we move to our new home on BBC Two. It's too early to start giving things away, but we've got some amazing guest stars, fearsome new aliens, and compelling new storylines that will push the Torchwood team further than ever before."