SHE can run faster than a speeding car and hear a whisper a mile away. A British actress has been chosen to revive The Bionic Woman as an icon for today's multi-tasking women.



Michelle Ryan, who played Zoe Slater in EastEnders, won an international casting search to revive the character, played by Lindsay Wagner in 1976.

As NBC's new Bionic Woman, set to air on Feb 20 over Star World, Ryan will also explore the role of professional women in contemporary society.



The series works on the storyline of a struggling Jaime Sommers (Ryan), working as a bartender and surrogate mum to her rebellious teenage sister.



A devastating car accident leaves her close to death, her only hope of survival is a cutting-edge, top-secret operation. Her damaged body parts are replaced with super-powered cybernetic implants and Jaime awakens to find she now has super strength. But her salvation comes at a price.



With a debt to repay, Jaime is recruited into government service and becomes a secret agent. A reluctant soldier, Jaime needs to learn how best to use her powers and embrace her new identity. Further complicating matters, Jaime must face off against Sarah Corvus (Katee Sackhoff, Battlestar Galactica), a rogue cyborg who was the first bionic woman and is now hardwired for revenge.



Ryan hopes to redefine the character of Jaime Sommers.



"It's a different time," explains the 23-year-old. "Lindsay Wagner became an icon for the original series. But we want to bring it to a modern audience. I love the fact that we're bringing back this strong, young female character and I think it will give a great message."



Bionic Woman's debut episode was NBC's highestrating Wednesday night premiere among adults 18-49 since The West Wing's bow in 1999. The show also attracted more viewers than any other new series in the 2007-08 season.