We revealed earlier this year that Christopher Meloni would be joining True Blood for it’s fifth season and this morning, we have the first picture of the actor in his new role.

The 51 year old is best known as NYPD Detective Elliot Stabler on the NBC police drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and as inmate Chris Keller on the HBO prison drama Oz, however on the hit HBO drama, he will take on the role of sinister leader of Vampire Authority.

We also have a new shot of Lucy Griffiths, who will take on the role of Eric’s sister Nora, also sired by Godric. The new female character will also play a role in the vampire authority and is said to deeply love Eric, though the two have typical sibling rivalry issues which will play out throughout the season.

We recently brought you a great promo video from the new season, in which Pam and Eric are embroiled in an argument, as he accuses her of being the person responsible for Russell Edgington’s escape.

His trust issues with Pam may feed into his relationship with his sister when she returns.

The fifth series of True Blood will start in America on HBO on June 10th and in the UK later in 2012. For all the latest news and spoilers on the show click here.