Michael Vartan will be filling a key Bates Motel vacancy when the A&E thriller returns for its second season.

TVLine has learned exclusively that the Alias alum has been cast as a new romantic interest for Norma (played by Emmy nominee Vera Farmiga).

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His recurring character, George, is a charming divorcé who catches Norma’s eye. It’s one of three new roles the show is introducing in Season 2 (Bates is also surrounding Norma with a female BFF and an estranged brother).

Vartan most recently starred opposite Jada Pinkett Smith in TNT’s Hawthorne.

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Production on Bates‘ 10-episode second season gets underway this week; the show returns in 2014.