New faces heading to the Dales

Emmerdale has announced the arrival of four new characters following the death of Carl King during their live anniversary episode.

Vet Rhona Kirk is excited by the arrival at the surgery of her old college friend Vanessa Woodfield, played by actress Michelle Hardwick. But the plain-speaking party animal, who lives by the motto, 'work hard, play hard' instantly clashes with Rhona's husband and colleague Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt).

Michelle is best known for her role as Lizzie Hopkins in TV drama The Royal.

She said: "As a local girl and a fan of the show, Emmerdale is my dream job. After only two days I am starting to feel at home already and Vanessa is such a fun character I can't wait to see what's in store for her."

Bernice Thomas gets a new love in the shape of Steve Harland played by Tom Mannion.

Steve is a passionate, optimistic man who likes to get the most out of life. But, the qualities that attracted him to Bernice - her energy, spontaneity and quirkiness - could end up driving him mad.

Scottish actor Tom has appeared in Life On Mars, Spooks and recent BBC drama Inside Men.

Tom said: "I'm really looking forward to the adventure that is Emmerdale."

Also heading for the Dales are single father and mechanic Dominic Andrews and his wayward teenage daughter Gemma, played by Waking The Dead's Wil Johnson and 14-year-old Tendai Rinomhota.

Michelle and Tom have already filmed their first scenes, while Wil and Tendai are due to begin filming in the next few weeks.