An artistic African with special abilities is to join Heroes during the upcoming third season.

The Riches actor Ntare Mwine has been cast as the new character, who is said to be close to many of the established heroes and will develop his own abilities in a nine-episode arc.

Season three will begin airing on BBC Two in late September, just days after it is broadcast on NBC in the US.

Meanwhile in US castings, Val Emmich has been hired to play Jesse, a potential new love interest for Betty in Ugly Betty.

In FX series Damages, Mario Van Peebles is to return to his guest role of Agent Harrison for six episodes.

> Click here for Tube Talk's preview of Heroes season three