NBC's 'Dracula' casts lead actress

The love life of everyone's favorite vampire out of Transylvania has always been a complicated one.

NBC's upcoming Jonathan Rhys-Meyers led adaptation of the "Dracula" mythos does not stray from that path, and today announced one of its leading ladies today.

Irish actress Victoria Smurfit (Smurf me? Smurf YOU.) has signed on to the 10 episode series, playing the character of Lady Jayne.

The series revolves around the titular love sick vampire and his quest to take revenge on those who ran afoul of him centuries ago. Dracula poses as an American businessman living in Victorian-era London, attempting to import modern science to the region, all while gathering information about his targets before falling in love with Mina ("Arrow"'s Jessica DeGouw), who appears to be the reincarnation of his dead wife. Smurfit's Lady Jayne, meanwhile, is instantly attracted to Dracula's wealthy entrepeneur and rivals for his affections.

Smurfit joins a still expanding cast, including Katie McGrath ("Merlin") as Mina's ill-fated best friend Lucy Westenra, and Nonso Anozie ("Game of Thrones") who will portray the loyal confidante of Dracula's American alter-ego Allan Grayson. The mini-series was written by relative newcomer Cole Haddon, who will also executive produce the series. The joint production between NBC and Sky is set to begin shooting soon for a targeted Fall 2013 premiere.