ABC and Dreamworks Television are expected to announce today that Heather Locklear will join the cast of "Spin City" in the fall (HR 6/10).
     Locklear will play a political strategist hired by Mayor Randall Winston (Barry Bostwick) to help with his re-election campaign. Her presence - and intelligence - will be a threat to deputy mayor Michael Flaherty (Michael J. Fox).
     The veteran television actress, who is credited with the turnaround of Fox's "Melrose Place," has signed a one-year contract with the comedy, under the deal brokered by her manager Joan Green of Joan Green Management, attorney Jerry Edelstein and the Endeavor Agency.
     A network spokesman declined comment.
     Locklear's plans for the fall come after she received a flurry of offers once "Melrose Place" wrapped production in May. Sources said Warner Bros. Television and Columbia TriStar Telesion were among the majors looking to make holding deals with Locklear.
     Her decision to join "Spin City" will mark a departure from her dramatic roles during the years. With television credits that extend back to the early 1980s, one of Locklear's most notable accomplishment was infusing new energy into "Melrose Place." She was cast as vixen Amanda Woodard in 1993 and remained a special guest star on the series through its finale this season.
     "Spin City," which aired at 9 p.m. Tuesdays this season, will move to 8 p.m. Tuesdays in September.