Melanie Hill has joined the cast of ITV soap Coronation Street, stepping into the role of a new friend for Roy Cropper - Cathy Matthews.
Melanie Hill in BBC's Waterloo Road
As the owner of the allotment next to Roy and Sharif's plot, she strikes up a friendship with Roy based on their love of the allotment, and Cropper soon realises that Cathy is going through her own troubles in trying to get over the death of her husband.
Could this be Roy's first chance of romance following the death of his beloved Hayley Cropper, or will Cathy simply provide a much-needed friendship for the café owner?
Producer Stuart Blackburn commented: "Recently widowed, Cathy is an engaging yet sometimes chaotic woman. Though her indecision can drive her friends mad, behind the vulnerable front is a woman who truly does have a heart of gold. Gentle, kind and intelligent she has more to offer than she knows and in Roy she'll find a friend who will ultimately bring out the best in her.
"We are delighted that Melanie Hill has agreed to join us and take on the role. Familiar I'm sure to our audience, Melanie is an incredible actress who I know will soon propel Cathy to the heart of Coronation Street."
Melanie Hill added: "I'm chuffed to bits to be joining the cast of my favourite soap. I and my family grew up watching it and to actually be working on it is a dream come true."
Melanie's first scenes will hit screens in late April.