To accommodate Jennifer Garner’s real-life pregnancy, her character on the ABC spy drama Alias, Sydney Bristow, will become pregnant as well.

“We are going to embrace the fact that she’s pregnant,” said Stephen McPherson, ABC’s programming chief, who also added that Garner wouldn’t be placed in dangerous situations that could harm her or her baby.

Garner announced her pregnancy earlier this month with new hubby Ben Affleck after months of rumours and speculation. The child is due at the end of December.

A new female character, who has not yet been cast, will join the series in its upcoming fifth season to serve as Bristow?s prot?g? and retain the show?s sex appeal as Garner?s pregnancy becomes more prominent.

But McPherson was quick to add that Garner, who performs many of her own stunts, will ?be able to run a fair amount? for the time being.

Alias will return to TV screens this September in its new Thursday time slot.