She's known for fighting the forces of evil in '90s cult television show Xena: Warrior Princess.

And it was announced this week that Lucy Lawless, 50, has landed an exciting role in the upcoming Network Ten crime drama, My Life is Murder.

In her first lead performance in an Australian TV show, Lucy will portray fearless investigator Alexa Crowe, who sets out on a mission to resolve a series of bewildering crimes.

From Warrior Princess to daring investigator! Former Xena star Lucy Lawless (pictured) has landed 'her first Australian lead role' in upcoming Network Ten crime drama My Life is Murder

Speaking to TV Tonight on Tuesday, Network Ten's Head of Drama Rick Maier discussed the character in more detail.

'She is not your average cop. Brilliant, insightful, and completely without filter, Alexa is that rare breed of television hero: She doesn't give a damn how she solves the crime or who she offends in the process, as long as she gets it done,' he said.

If anybody knows how to be a television hero, it's Lucy. She became a worldwide icon after her role in US fantasy series, Xena: Warrior Princess.

Mighty princess! If anybody knows how to be a television hero, it's Lucy Lawless. She became a worldwide icon after her role in US fantasy series, Xena: Warrior Princess (pictured)

'My Life is Murder will be one of the freshest new dramas on our screens next year,' Rick Maier added.

Screen Australia Head of Production, Sally Caplan, believes the show will interest both Australian and international audiences.

'It's a coup for [production company] CJZ and Network Ten to have pop culture legend Lucy Lawless on board to star in her first Australian lead role.'

Lucy recently portrayed Countess Marburg, a powerful ancient witch, on the supernatural television series Salem.

She also stars as Ruby Knowby, the main antagonist in Ash vs Evil Dead, and has made appearances in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and ABC's The Code.

My Life is Murder will be set and filmed in Melbourne at the end of this year.