Martin Chambers

[Perdita]

Neighbours bosses have announced that award-winning actor John Wood has joined the cast of the soap, taking on the part of an Erinsborough doctor.

The 64-year-old, best known for playing Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon in police drama Blue Heelers, starts filming with the Ramsay Street drama next week and will appear on screen for six months.

Wood's latest role sees him portray strict medical man Martin Chambers, who has a reputation for taking his work very seriously.

As new doctor Rhys Lawson (Ben Barber) starts to get settled in at the Erinsborough Hospital, he soon learns that Martin doesn't suffer fools gladly.

Speaking of Neighbours' latest casting, executive producer Susan Bower commented: "We're all thrilled to welcome John to Ramsay Street for what is going to be a great story."

Wood's 12-year role on Blue Heelers helped him to secure Australia's prestigious Gold Logie prize in 2006. He has also starred in Rafferty's Rules, Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities and Offspring.

Australian viewers will see Martin's first appearance on screen in September.

[Perdita]

Neighbours' new recruit John Wood has revealed that viewers can expect his character to cause tension when he makes his debut on screen later this year.

Show bosses recently announced that the former Blue Heelers star had joined the cast of the soap in the role of Martin Chambers, a strict medical man who works in the area.

Wood told TV Week: "He's the head of surgery at Erinsborough Hospital. He's very focused and ambitious and doesn't suffer fools - so he could be a good bloke or a villain, depending on what he thinks of you."

The 64-year-old confirmed that there is "considerable conflict" in store between Martin and established character Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher.

Discussing the challenges of his new role, Wood added: "I don't have a great bedside manner, because I can't cope with the sight of blood or wounds. So it's just as well I'm acting it!"

Neighbours producers have also previously confirmed that Martin is likely to clash with new doctor Rhys Lawson (Ben Barber), another new character who is due to arrive on screen in the coming months.

Wood is understood to have signed a six-month contract with the programme.

[LostVoodoo]

haha, of course there will be tensions, Karl is the only man in Australia who is allowed to be a doctor, anyone else is an imposter!