And, it’s another TV cop (Brandon made it big in the U.K. as a policeman in “Dempsey and Makepeace”). David Soul, best known for “Starsky and Hutch,” will wield the mike when he takes on the role, beginning July 12. In a press statement, Soul said, “I’m thrilled and excited to be joining the cast.” Soul is no stranger to the London stage. He won good reviews for his 1999 turn as a cynical TV producer in Alan Ayckbourn’s Comic Potential. Previously he’d appeared at the Whitehall Theatre in Nick Darke’s The Dead Monkey. Soul has also performed the Narrator in Willy Russell’s musical Blood Brothers in England, France, Australia and New Zealand.

Perhaps the Springer producers are hoping to cash in on the revival of interest in all things "Starsky and Hutch," following the series’ recent successful movie makeover, which starred Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. Soul contributed a cameo in the film.

Despite rumors of wholesale cast changes, the producers have held on to some other stars from the original cast, including Olivier Award winner David Bedella, Alison Jiear (as a would-be lap-dancer and Eve) and Benjamin Lake (as an adulterous fiance and God).

For more information, call (0)870 890 1102 or visit www.jerryspringertheopera.com.