Shane West

As Nikita draws to a close, actor Shane West has already lined up his next series: Salem, the first scripted series from WGN America.

The 17th century-set drama centers on the Massachusetts town's infamous witch trials. West is set to play the male lead, John Alden, a "tough, pragmatic, wry-humored" war veteran who doesn't suffer fools. After spending a decade on the battlefield and being held in captivity at the hands of the Indians, John returns to his native Salem.

It's there that John finds his hometown gripped in witch-hunt frenzy, led by Cotton Mather (Seth Gabel). John also has a history with Mary Sibley (Janet Montgomery).

Tamzin Merchant (The Tudors) will play Anne Hale, a talented and fearless artist who's attracted to John Alden and soon becomes Mary's enemy.

West's credits include ER, Once and Again and the features The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and A Walk to Remember.

Salem, from executive producer Brannon Braga and Fox 21, also stars Xander Berkeley (also a Nikita alum) and Ashley Madekwe. The show is set to launch next spring.

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