Dean Andrews has joined 'Emmerdale'.
Dean Andrews
The 'Life on Mars' star has signed up to the ITV soap, and while details of his character are being kept under wraps for now, his alter-ego will go head-to-head with Cain Dingle - played by Jeff Hordley - this spring.
Dean said: "I have always loved Emmerdale and am thrilled to be joining the cast.
"As a Yorkshire lad I have always watched the show and think that everything from the acting to the stories are consistently great and I can't wait to get stuck in."
The 'Ashes to Ashes' star's alter-ego will also "shake things up" for other villagers.
'Emmerdale' executive producer Jane Hudson said: "We are absolutely delighted that Dean is joining the show.
"He is a superb actor and his character is certainly going to shake things up for some of our villagers.
"And as a Yorkshireman he is going to fit into Emmerdale perfectly."
Hollywood actor Joshua Richards has also joined the cast as Paddy Kirk's (Dominic Brunt) potential dad, a wrestler called Bear Wolf.
He recently said: "I am delighted to be joining the cast of 'Emmerdale'. Having been based in Yorkshire for most of my life, it's fantastic to now be filming there too.
"Bear Wolf is a great character and I am looking forward to seeing what's in store for him."
What's more, Natalie Ann Jamieson will join the soap as Amy Wyatt, who was previously played by ex-'Casualty' actress Chelsea Halfpenny.
She said: "I'm incredibly excited to meet all of the talented cast and crew at ITV's 'Emmerdale'.
"I feel very lucky to be joining the cast of such a loved and respected show.
"I'm very grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to find out what the future holds for Amy!"
Tagged in Jeff Hordley