Dennis Franz judges 'Dramatic Auditions'

NEW YORK, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Dennis Franz of ABC's "NYPD Blue" is a judge on cable's TNT's "Dramatic Auditions" where an aspiring actor gets a shot at Hollywood.

"The winner gets $50,000 cash, an apartment in L.A. for a year, along with the use of a car," Franz told TV Guide Online. "That's a coup in itself! Plus, they throw in acting lessons and a publicist. How 'bout that? This is a legitimate opportunity for dramatic actors to get a foot in the door."

TNT is scheduled to name the winner in December.

Meanwhile, in the 12th season of "NYPD Blue," Franz said he's dealing with his flipped-out partner, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and a new lieutenant.

His TV wife Connie, played by Charlotte Ross, may not return.

"I wish I could say she was coming back, but it doesn't look like that's gonna be the case," he said. "We spent a great deal of time letting the audience accept that relationship. To have that just chopped off from under me -- I felt gypped."