Angela Bassett signs for 'Identity'

Angela Bassett has signed up for a lead role in ABC drama pilot Identity.

The project, a remake of the UK series, will follow an elite police unit who investigate cases of identity theft and related crimes.

Deadline reports that Bassett will play Martha, the special agent placed in charge of the squad. The role was played by Ashes To Ashes star Keeley Hawes in the ITV original.

Bassett's past television credits include a role in the final season of ER and a recurring part on Alias. She will next be seen in film comedy Jumping the Broom and comic book adaptation Green Lantern.

She will join the previously-cast Orlando Jones and Jay Paulson in the Identity pilot, which has been written by Eagle Eye scribe John Glenn.