Isaiah Washington to guest in 'Bionic Woman'

Grey's Anatomy alumnus Isaiah Washington is to guest star in a five-episode story arc on NBC's Bionic Woman.

Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, has also confirmed that Washington is developing an action series project with the network and studio.

"Isaiah Washington is a very talented and versatile actor and I've always admired his work," said Silverman at NBC's summer press tour in Beverly Hills. "These episodes on Bionic Woman and the new development deal will showcase his talents, and we look forward to producing some great television together."

Washington will play a "mysterious person" brought into the scientific organisation that creates the bionic technology responsible for turning Michelle Ryan's Jaime Sommers into the Bionic Woman.

NBC was careful to all but avoid mention of Washington's time as a lead actor on ABC hit Grey's Anatomy, relegating his presence on the show to a single mention alongside roles in NYPD Blue, Ally McBeal and Touched By An Angel. Washington's contract was not renewed for Grey's season four after he allegedly used a gay slur during a confrontation with fellow series star Patrick Dempsey. He has since attacked ABC for the decision to let him go; further, in an interview with CNN's Larry King, he blamed Dempsey for the bust-up but said he regretted using the word "f*ggot" in the argument.