Exclusive: Meet the Actor Playing "Spartacus"'s New Gay Gladiator!

Last month AfterElton.com confirmed that the Spartacus sequel Spartacus: Gods of the Arena would feature a gay gladiator named Auctus who would be the new love interest for Barca.

Sources have now confirmed exclusively to AfterElton that Australian actor and dancer Josef Brown will be playing Auctus.

Australian television audiences might know Brown from his role as Peter on Dance Academy while dance fans might recognize him from his work with the Sydney Dance Company and The Australian Ballet. Brown also originated the role of Johnny Castle in the musical version of Dirty Dancing which he took from Australia to London's West End and then to Chicago in the U.S.

(Photo credit: Starla Fortunato)

Regarding the role of Auctus, DeKnight previously told AfterElton:

What I loved about the Barca/Pietros relationship was that it was a very tender relationship. Barca would flare up every now and then, but obviously really loved Pietros, and Pietros brought out his tender side.

Auctus and Barca have a very different relationship. They have a mutual respect, but Auctus is Barca's physical equal. He's just as good a gladiator as Barca is and just as deadly. They obviously love each other, and they have some great moments together, but they also have a very jocular love affair. They don't mind smacking each other around.

Sorry, guys and gals — Brown is straight and married. (You can visit his site at JosefBrown.com/au.)

Stay tuned for more details about Brown, Auctus and the show!

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena debuts in January of 2011 on Starz.