'Dexter' gets a nanny, 'The Borgias' a mistress

Dexter Morgan needs a little help.

Showtime has fished from its period drama "The Tudors" and transplanted Maria Doyle Kennedy in its serial killer drama "Dexter," reports Deadline.

Kennedy played Queen Catherine of Aragon in the first season of "Tudors." She'll recur as Dexter's (Michael C. Hall) Irish nanny.

Casting for the fifth season has been speeding up. Previously, it was announced that Julia Stiles would play a woman who has a "unique" relationship with Dexter. Shawn Hatosy is also joining for the fifth season fun.

In other Showtime casting news, Rodrigo Borgia has a baby mama.

Joanne Whalley has been cast as a mistress and matriarch on "The Borgias," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Renaissance drama stars Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia, who one day becomes Pope through dirty dealings. Whalley will play Vanossa, a courtesan with a not-so-pristine past. The corruption was mutual apparently since she helped him break his celibacy vows when he was still cardinal.

She was one of his many mistresses, but more importantly, gave birth to his children. "The Borgias" won't premiere until 2011.

In other casting news:

 - Showtime has also cast Brian Cox in "The Big C" as the father of protagonist Laura Linney. "The Big C" debuts Aug. 16, following the premiere of the sixth season of "Weeds."

- NBC's competition series "America's Next Great Restaurant" has added Curtis Stone, Chipotle founder Steve Ells and executive chef Lorena Garcia as investors and judges on the show. Food Network star Bobby Flay was already previously involved in the project that pits contestants against each other to get backing so they can launch their own restaurant concept in three cities.

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