Actress Toks Olagundoye is set to join the cast of ABC's Castle in a special series regular role in season 8.

'Castle' Season 8 Premiere Title Revealed, But What Does It Mean?

Olagundoye has been cast as Hayley Vargas, "a quick-witted, free-spirited former Scotland Yard police officer who works as a security specialist and is not afraid to cross lines to get things done," according to new reports.

The actress previously starred on the ABC sitcom The Neighbors, playing Jackie Joyner-Kersee, an extraterrestrial.

'Castle' Star Stana Katic Reveals Next Season Will Be A 'Nail-Biter'

It had previously been reported via TVLine that Castle producers were looking to cast an actress to play the role of Hayley. The publication also reported that Hayley would be spending a lot of time with Castle (Nathan Fillion) in the new season.

Hayley will be introduced in the two-part season 8 premiere.

Hayley's introduction comes as Penny Johnson Jerald (who played Captain Gates) was announced to not be returning next season. The actress had previously been a series regular since season 4.

Fans do not have to worry about other stars leaving before the new season. Fillion, Stana Katic (Beckett), Jon Huertas (Esposito), Seamus Dever (Ryan), Susan Sullivan (Martha Rodgers) and Molly Quinn (Alexis) are all signed on for season 8.

There had been some question about the future of the show since stars Fillion and Katic did not sign contracts to return until the final weeks of season 7.

Castle season 8 is set to premiere Monday, Sept. 21 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Tags: Castle television ABC