Ashley Judd
The actress participates in a panel discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York Reuters

The ABC network has offered the lead role to Ashley Judd for their upcoming drama serial, Missing.

Judd will play the role of a single mother looking for her 18-year-old missing son in Italy, reports Variety. She will not be essaying the role of an ordinary mother but that of an ex-CIA agent. The plot revolves around some intrigue involving her son’s life there.

ABC has already commissioned 10 episodes which will air sometime in the 2011-2012 season. Writer Greg Poirier, who has written National Treasure: Book of Secrets, will be scripting the series and the shoot will take place in Europe. The pilot episode will be directed by Steve Shill of Dexter fame.

Judd is coming back to TV after a long hiatus. Earlier, she co-starred on NBC’s drama, Sisters, in the early 90s. Ashley has appeared in several movies like Double Jeopardy, Divine Secrets of The Ya Ya Sisterhood, Norma Jean & Marilyn, Kiss the Girls, Someone Like You and Frida.

Ashley is actively involved in charity work and aid. She has been travelling the world working against human trafficking and is a global ambassador of YouthAids. She recently went to Congo and campaigned against genocide and raised awareness for victims of sexual crime.

Ashley plans to release her autobiography, All That is Bitter & Sweet later this year.