Justin Bieber plays a "criminal mastermind" in his acting debut.

The 'Baby' singer started having acting lessons earlier this year to prepare for his debut in US TV series 'CSI', in which he plays a criminal called Jason McCann.

Explaining the role to Teen Vogue magazine, Justin said: "It seems like I'm this sweet and innocent kid, and then it turns out I'm the mastermind behind everything.

"The coach told me it was all about the emotion. She said, 'You have to feel the character. You have to be Jason.' But I think I would have done it the same whether I channeled my feelings or not."

It has also been confirmed Justin is moving further into the acting world, with his manager, Scooter Braun, confirming he star in a film which is being developed by Will Smith's production company, Overbrook, which will be: "A fictional piece that may have similarities to his life."

Justin, 16, met Will when he become friends with his son, Jayden, whom he duetted with on the song 'Never Say Never' on the soundtrack of Jayden's film 'Karate Kid', earlier this year.

Justin will also be the subject of 'Justin Bieber 3-D', a film by director Jon Chu which will tell the story of his life and include concert footage in 3-D, which was filmed earlier this year and will be released on Valentine's Day (14.02.11) next year.

The first episode of 'CSI' which Justin appears in airs in the US later this month.