AN image of what Jesus may have looked like has been created by the BBC for a new programme about the life of Christ.

The documentary series, Son of God, uses the latest scientific technology to bring the story of Jesus Christ to life.

Detailed historical research aided by computer graphics reconstruct the life and times of Christ and re-examine some of the traditional Christian stories.

The programme is part of the channel's £253m spring and summer season, which was announced yesterday.

BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessey said: "Son of God is one of the most exciting projects with which to launch the spring summer season.

"It dares to ask some surprising questions of the traditional Christian stories and comes up with some unexpected conclusions."

Among the other highlights in BBC1's new season is Steve McFadden's first role away from EastEnders in a decade.

McFadden, who plays Albert Square badboy Phil Mitchell, leads an all-star cast including David Suchet in a series of psychological thrillers called Murder In Mind.

The Royle Family's Ricky Tomlinson plays a Liverpudlian private eye in Nice Guy Eddie.

Another of the Royle Family cast, Sue Johnston, is also part of the new line-up, appearing as the long-suffering wife of a football manager in The Score.

Former Arsenal and England star Ian Wright will be a new face for BBC1, taking over from Ant and Dec to present the game show Friends Like These.