ANDREA THOMPSON - DISGRACED NEWS READER JOINS CAST OF 24

Disgraced American news reader ANDREA THOMPSON has joined the cast of hit television thriller 24 for its highly-anticipated third season.

The blonde reporter worked for CNN until bosses discovered she had stripped off for a three-in-a-bed romp in soft porn flick MANHATTAN GIGOLO in 1986.

A pal of the former journalist says, "She's delighted at landing a role in 24. It's one of the hottest shows on TV."

Andrea's previous acting credits include NYPD BLUE and BABYLON 5, but her role in 24 will see her take on the character of a computer specialist brought in to aid KIEFER SUTHERLAND's heroic character JACK BAUER.