Kiwi actress Lucy Lawless, the former Xena: Warrior Princess star has a new role as Kathleen Clayton, a strong-willed newspaper publisher who happens to be Tarzan's protective aunt.

Warner Bros television network, The WB, premieres its new Tarzan series in America tomorrow - it hits Canadian screens today.

But New Zealand fans won't miss out - TV2 has bought the show for its 2004 season but won't say when it will air.

Lawless is filming the series in Toronto.

The new show has a dramatic twist on the timeless jungle legend by moving it to New York. Tarzan's billionaire uncle, Richard Clayton (Mitch Pileggi of The X-Files fame), heads Greystoke Industries. He captures nephew John Clayton - aka Tarzan - in the African jungle where apes raised him and returns him against his will to New York.

Tarzan's return unleashes bitter rivalries between his aunt and uncle. The ape-man ends up escaping into the city's concrete jungle and becomes a modern day hero. Romance is involved - an NYPD detective called Jane falls for Tarzan. Australian-born Travis Fimmel makes his acting debut as Tarzan and is best known for his smouldering good looks in Calvin Klein advertisements.

The WB's entertainment president Jordan Levin said Lawless "has a fun, larger-than-life personality that will shape the character of Kathleen Clayton."

Lawless has signed for 10 of the 13-episode series and will appear in further episodes if the show is successful. Her deal with The WB also includes an exclusive series development deal for the 2004-05 season.

caption for the photo: LAWLESS AUNTY: Kiwi actress Lucy Lawless with daughter Daisy on the Toronto set of Tarzan. TV2 will screen the series next year.

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