LOS ANGELES - After spending much of last spring trying to get Heather Locklear locked into an NBC series, the network has landed the actress for the ensemble drama "HUB."

Based on a script by Nick Thiel ("Magnum, P.I.," "Covington Cross"), "HUB" was originally in development at NBC last season, but has been revitalized for a spring start. The project is set up at NBC Studios with Thiel and Mark Gordon ("Saving Private Ryan," "And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself") executive producing.

There's no word on Locklear's specific part, though The Hollywood Reporter describes it as a "leading role." Locklear joins the previously announced Blair Underwood ("Sex and the City") in the series, which is a behind-the-scenes look at a major airport. Underwood will play the airport's No. 2 man.

Last spring, Locklear looked at the "HUB" script before starred in the NBC comedy pilot "Once Around the Park." NBC didn't pick up the series, but reportedly attempted to slot the former "Melrose Place" star into several existing shows that were on the bubble for renewal. Locklear was rumored to be circling both "A.U.S.A" and "Good Morning, Miami," but ultimately opted for neither.