Andrew Lincoln boards 'The Walking Dead'

Andrew Lincoln has been cast in AMC's The Walking Dead, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The actor has signed to play Rick Grimes, a police officer who guides a group of survivors as they attempt to stay alive following a zombie apocalypse.

Lincoln joins the already cast Jon Bernthal in the project, based on Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore's The Walking Dead comic book series.

"Andrew Lincoln, wow - what an amazing find this guy is," said Kirkman.

He added: "Writing Rick Grimes month after month in the comic series, I had no idea he was an actual living breathing human being, and yet here he is. I couldn't be more thrilled with how this show is coming together."

The London-born actor has appeared in Teachers and Enduring Love.

Eli Stone star Jonny Lee Miller was previously rumoured for the role.

The Walking Dead is written, produced and directed by Frank Darabont. Production begins in June in Atlanta.