The smash hit AMC zombie drama has added another season regular to its forthcoming fifth year, Seth Gilliam (The Wire) will feature in the new season in "an unconfirmed role" although he has been listed on IMDB as playing a character called Michael. The Hollywood Reported has speculated that Gilliam will actual be cast as “Gabriel Stokes, a preacher who first crosses paths with Rick in the 61st issue of the comics."

Seth Gilliam is the third former cast member from HBO’s The Wire to join The Walking Dead, both Chad Coleman (Tyreese) and Larry Gilliard Jr. (Bob) were part of the tapestry of characters that formed the award winning series from David Simon. Without spoiling anything for those of you that aren’t up to date with The Walking Dead, things were looking bleak for Rick and the gang when they arrived at Terminus but when has a season of this fine show ever ended on an upbeat note. Seth Gilliam will be joined by the recently announced additions of Andrew J. West (Gareth), Christian Serratos (Rosita) and Alanna Masteron (Tara).

The first poster for season five has just been released with a crouched and pensive looking Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), only the word ‘Survive’ accompanies the image of the group’s emotional damaged leader. Given the dire circumstances they were we saw them last, survival has never been more imperative and the stakes have never been higher. I might say that at the end of every season but somehow the writers and producers manage to go bigger and better every year.

The Walking Dead returns this October.