‘Terminator’ Alum Returns to Fox’s ‘Backstrom’ as Series Regular

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles alum Thomas Dekker is returning to Backstrom, this time as a series regular.

The actor has closed a new deal to reprise his formerly guest-starring role as Gregory Valentine, a whip-smart young gay man, in the new Fox series, He's an ex-hustler-turned-entrepreneurial crook who is Backstrom's (Rainn Wilson) tenant and uses Backstrom's apartment to store his high-end ill-gotten goods. Backstrom's decorator and underworld connection, he's a colorful character who has a genuine fondness for the abrasive cop -- and vice versa.

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Backstrom, from Bones boss Hart Hanson, is based on the books by Swedish criminologist/novelist Leif G.W. Persson and was first developed in July 2012. The hourlong crime drama centers on an overweight, offensive, irascible detective as he tries and fails to change his self-destructive behavior. Fox has ordered 13 episodes, and production will begin early this year. A formal premiere date has not yet been announced.

Dekker joins Backstrom co-stars Kristoffer Polaha (Life Unexpected), Dennis Haysbert (24) and Page Kennedy. Of the original group cast in the pilot -- which was originally developed for CBS -- Mamie Gummer and Camryn Manheim's parts are being recast.

 Dekker is repped by Resolution and the Schiff Co.

E-mail: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit

Lesley Goldberg