I don’t know how they are going to introduce new characters onto the island in Lost, but it looks like they’re going to give it their best shot. TV Guide is reporting that two new characters will be debuting in season four of the fantasy drama, but no news on who will play them or how they will fit in. Let’s get our thinking caps on.

Let’s assume that if they are to be important (and if you’ve got to think they will be, otherwise why announce their arrival?), then they can’t be part of any flashbacks or flash forwards. They will somehow have to be on the island during the present tense, which leaves a whole host of options. Other survivors? Unlikely, as they have already covered this angle with Ana-Lucia, Libby, Eko and Bernard. New Others? More mystery parachutists like Naomi? Or people on the other end of Jack’s phone as he called for help?

We have one male: Russell, described as a brilliant mathematician in his late thirties who is “capable of great insights and has a tremendous knowledge across various scientific fields.” Russell will arrive in episode one, whereas fellow newbie, Charlotte, won’t turn up until episode two. Charlotte is “precocious, loquacious and funny… a very successful academic who also knows how to handle herself in the real world.” Unfortunately, she’s not so hot with people, with a cold exterior but “lots of repressed and pent-up emotions.” So two brain-boxes – is this to balance out all the sweaty testosterone of Sawyer and Sayid?

Already fans online have began to make their own casting suggestions, with Kristen Bell from the recently axed Veronica Mars a favourite with many for the part of Charlotte. Other calls have come in for Rachel Bilson (also free now that the O.C. is no more.) Names for the role of Russell have been more varied, as without a stipulated age, it is hard to know whether Lost casting folk will opt for youth or experience. Names include Ron Livingston (popular with the ladies for Sex and the City and with the gents for Band of Brothers), Bradley Whitford (perhaps a little too urbane for the island, unless that’s what’s wanted), Jeffrey Wright (from Casino Royale), Oscar winner Forest Whitaker and TV Scoop fave John Simm.

An interesting mix there, but over to you, TV Scoopers. Who would you like to see gardening with Sun and baby-sitting baby Aaron?