Nicola Stephenson has joined the cast of 'Emmerdale'.
Nicola Stephenson
The 44-year-old actress - who played Margaret Clemence in 'Brookside' from 1990 to 1993 and most recently starred in the ITV drama 'Safe House' - is to play a new character named Tess in the ITV soap.
She said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the cast of 'Emmerdale'. It's a British institution and I'm very excited about the storylines that they have planned for my character."
Nicola's character is described as a warm, assured person with a great heart, who is dedicated to her role as a teaching assistant.
However, her life will take an unexpected turn when she meets 'Emmerdale's long serving vet Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt).
'Emmerdale' series producer Kate Oates said: "I am delighted to welcome an actress of Nicola's calibre to the show. We are keeping the exact details of Tess' storyline under wraps but it is safe to say she will mix things up in the village."
In addition to 'Brookside' and 'Safe House', Nicola has also starred in series including 'Waterloo Road', 'The Chase' and 'Clocking Off'.
She will begin filming later this month with her first scenes set to air on ITV in the autumn.
Tagged in Dominic Brunt