Lee Mead has joined the cast of Casualty as a regular character.

The Any Dream Will Do winner, who previously appeared in the BBC medical drama in a guest role, will play Lofty - a 'likeable and popular nurse with a less-than-ordinary background'.

Lee Mead
© Rex Features / Dan Wooller

Commenting on his role, Mead says: "I'm thrilled to be joining Casualty. I really enjoyed my guest appearance in 2011, but this will be a completely different challenge.

"When I first read about the character Lofty I didn't imagine I would be in the frame to play him. I am hoping he will charm audiences and they will get behind him. I can't wait to get started and to learn all of the medical jargon!"

Oliver Kent, Casualty's Executive Producer, said: "As the character Lofty was being developed, we couldn't think of anyone else to better to play him. We can't wait to start filming and are thrilled to have Lee join the team.

"With a very different background to most of the other nurses, his clumsy charm is sure to win everyone over."