Rapper P Diddy to take CSI role

Rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs is to play a prosecutor in the Miami edition of hit US crime show CSI, US TV network CBS has confirmed.

The rapper - who has said he is retiring from music to concentrate on his acting career - will appear in two episodes of the show.

CBS said Combs would play a prosecutor who argues with Lt Horatio Caine, played by David Caruso.

Another rap star, Nelly, already plays a role in CSI: New York.

Combs, who formed the label Bad Boy Records, had global hits in the 1990s with tracks like I'll Be Missing You and Come With Me.

In recent years, however, he has turned his attention to his acting career, appearing in films such as Made, Monster's Ball and the critically acclaimed A Raisin In The Sun.

Combs episodes are expected to appear on US TV in the middle of 2009.

-BBC News