"Spartacus" has a New Leading Man

Yes. You heard it right.... Spartacus ... one of my favorite US tv series has a new leading actor. Spartacus himself will be replaced with a fresh and hunkier gladiator under the name of Liam McIntyre.

Andy Whitfield vs. Liam McIntyre: They have the same piercing eyes! 

Australian Actor Liam McIntyre Taking Over Starz 'Spartacus' Role From Andy Whitfield.

Just days after Starz announced they were planning to recast the title role, left vacated by Andy Whitfield, who has been battling cancer, a rep for the cable channel confirmed to Access Hollywood that Australian actor Liam McIntyre has won the part.

Liam, 28, will take over the role, which Andy left due to his cancer battle, as the network proceeds with Season 2 of the bloody drama, which begins shooting this spring.

"Since no one can really replace Andy, we realized that we should instead find an actor who can truly lead 'Spartacus' forward," Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement. "It was important to us to have Andy endorse the idea of recasting this part, which he did in the same heroic manner that he's dealt with his whole ordeal. And that, coupled with our fortune in finding a young actor with the gladiator credentials and the acting ability of Liam, makes it easier for us to keep this hit franchise going."

Season 2 of Spartacus will air starring Lucy Lawless and John Hannah beginning Friday, January 21, 2011. It will be titled "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena". I can't wait to watch it!

Source: Yahoo News!