Emmerdale bosses have announced that four new characters will be joining the village this autumn.

Bernice Blackstock's lover, a new father-daughter duo and an old acquaintance of Rhona Goskirk have all been cast as fresh faces for the ITV1 soap.

First to arrive will be Rhona Goskirk's wild friend from college Vanessa Woodfield, who has been tipped to shake up life at the vets' surgery.

Played by The Royal actress Michelle Hardwick, Vanessa is billed as a "self-assured party girl" who will be "like a breath of fresh air" when she arrives at the vets' practice.


© ITV

Michelle Hardwick as Vanessa Woodfield.

While Vanessa is always up for a laugh, she is also plain-speaking and instantly clashes with Rhona's husband Paddy.

Hardwick commented: "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."