Lucy Lawless cast in 'Spartacus'

Lucy Lawless has signed on to star in Spartacus: Blood And Sand, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The new fighting-and-fantasy series is the creation of Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, the team who were also responsible for bringing Lawless's Xena: Warrior Princess to the small screen.

Lawless will portray Lucretia, a Roman slave owner and proprietor of a camp for gladiators.

Australian actor Andy Whitfield has also been cast in the series.

Spartacus: Blood And Sand goes into production this month, and will debut in January on the cable channel Starz.