Elisabeth Shue will portray a new CSI

Elisabeth Shue has signed on to join the cast of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" beginning in February, the network announced.

Shue, who was nominated for an Academy Award for the movie "Leaving Las Vegas," will be returning to the gambling mecca as part of the Vegas-based team of sleuths.

People magazine said Shue steps into opening left by Mary Helgenberger, who is leaving her role as Catherine Willows after 11 seasons.

"While it's difficult to say goodbye to a beloved character like Catherine Willows, it's exciting to start a journey with a new CSI, especially when that character is played by Elisabeth Shue," executive producer Carol Mendelsohn said in a written statement.

Shue will have more than murder mysteries to contend with once she hits The Strip. People said her character blows into town after completing an anger-management course and with a past history in Seattle with teammate D.B. Russell, who is played by Ted Danson.