Marc Warren has joined the cast of 'The Musketeers'.
The 'Hustle' actor has signed up to play the Comte De Rochefort, a dashing aristocrat with a talent for sword fighting and a taste for adventure, in the BBC One drama's second series.
He commented: "I'm delighted to be part of the BBC's stylish and exciting take on the Dumas classic. Once I've overcome my fear of horses I'm sure it'll be a walk in the park."
On the surface, Rochefort seems like a charming and persuasive character, but as the series progresses his true nature and dark secrets are revealed. Only the Musketeers and their friends stand between him and a desperate act that will change all their lives forever.
The character replaces Cardinal Richelieu as the series' main antagonist as actor Peter Capaldi has left to star in 'Doctor Who'.
Jessica Pope, BBC's executive producer, added: "Adrian [Hodges, show creator] and I were thrilled to welcome Marc to the cast. He's a clever and mercurial actor who will bring danger and charm to the role of Rochefort in equal measure."
The star joins Luke Pasqualino ('Skins') as D'Artagnan, Tom Burke ('Great Expectations') as Athos, Santiago Cabrera ('Merlin') as Aramis and the Royal Shakespeare Company's Howard Charles as Porthos.
'The Musketeers' follows King Louis XIII's personal bodyguards who fight for honour and justice on the streets of 17th Century Paris.
Filming for series two is currently under way in Prague, following the success of the first series this January, which was the BBC's third highest-rating drama launch of the past decade.

'Hollyoaks' star Jesse Birdsall is backing Sandy Roscoe as Fraser Black's killer.
The actor's villainous alter-ego will be killed off in a major new 'whodunit?' storyline and he thinks Fraser's on-screen wife, played by Gillian Taylforth, should be the one to murder him.
Sandy and Fraser hit the rocks in the Channel 4 soap this week as her sons Joe and Freddie exposed some of the gangster's crimes.
Jesse told All About Soap magazine: "Personally I've always thought it should be Sandy, but that doesn't mean that's who the killer is.
"I love Gilly (Sandy) so much and we have a great working relationship. I've known her since I was about 12, so it has been a long time. When I left, there were a few tears.
"I suppose he's a pretty bad guy, and he did some pretty bad things, so I think it's probably right that he got his comeuppance in the end."
Jesse admits it hasn't hit him that he's left the show after wrapping filming on the Liverpool set recently.
He added: "I've really enjoyed it. I have to say, I have been there ten months and it feels like it has only been about two weeks.
"I've just packed up and left Liverpool and it seems as if I'm just off on a break at the minute - I don't feel like I've finished yet."
Meanwhile, Gillian is to leave 'Hollyoaks' as well later this year, but producers are leaving the door open for her to return.

Kate Upton says men will feel good about themselves after watching 'The Other Woman'.
The Sports Illustrated model hits the big screen alongside Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann in the comedy which follows the three women on a mission to get revenge on their three-timing lover, Mark - played by Game of Thrones' Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
Upton, 21, believes the film will appeal to men because most can leave feeling smug about being a faithful partner after watching cheating Mark on screen.
Talking on US chat show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' on Wednesday (09.04.14), she said: "I think that when they go to the movie they'll feel better about themselves. They'll be like 'I missed Valentines Day but I'm not that bad'."
Jimmy replied: "You look good by comparison."
She said: "Exactly, exactly. Suddenly, their wives and girlfriends will be like 'I like you a lot better.'"
Upton - who is best known for appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue - has her first big film part in the Nick Cassavetes-directed picture which was released in the US and UK this month.

Mae Whitman is in talks for 'The DUFF'. The 25-year-old actress is negotiating a role in the high school flick which follows a teenage girl who becomes determined to reinvent herself after learning that her 'friends' have labelled her DUFF, their des...

Reese Witherspoon laughed on the phone as she enjoyed a cool beverage following a trip to the salon in Brentwood, California. She sported a cute denim jacket with a black top and a leopard print skirt which showed off her tanned legs.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left Prince George with babysitters as they attended a World War One Aviation commemorative event Blenheim, as part of their tour of New Zealand and Australia tour. Catherine was all smiles wearing a stylish blue trenc...

Rihanna enjoyed a cold beverage as she enjoyed the Clippers game in Los Angeles with her best pal Melissa Ford. The 'Pour it Up' singer showed off her legs in a sporty blue dress accessorized with chunky jewellery and styled her hair into big curls.

Eva Longoria looked engaged in deep conversation on her phone as she headed out for a grocery shop in Hollywood. The actress looked stylish in a simple grey vest and blue skinny jeans, and sported a new fringed hairdo.

Anne Hathaway covered up in a boldly printed wrap coat and ripped jeans whilst out in New York. the 'Les Miserable' actress accessorized with a quilted Chanel bag and dark sunglasses.

Kaley Cuoco looked summery in white brocade top with blue and white lace shorts as she attended the 'Authors Anonymous' premiere in Westwood, California.

Kendall Jenner kept a low profile when leaving Andy LeCompte hair salon in West Hollywood, by choosing to cover up her new hairstyle with a blue cap. The model - who stars on 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' - dressed down in a grey tracksuit as she h...

Ashley Greene enjoyed a cool beverage after working up a sweat during a gym session in West Hollywood. The former 'Twilight' actress kept cool in a white vest top and grey leggings.