Emmerdale bosses have cast former Brookside star Gabrielle Glaister as a new rival for Nicola King.
The actress has landed the guest role of Hilary, who makes her first appearance next week during a campaigning event at The Woolpack.
Viewers know that Nicola (Nicola Wheeler) has decided to seek a position as a local councillor, wanting to impress Kim Tate.
Nicola is keen to stay in Kim's good books after they hit it off earlier this month, but she knows that she needs to prove herself as a useful ally.
Next week, Nicola gets her chance to launch her campaign at The Woolpack and goes on a charm offensive.
Sadly, Nicola realises she'll have a fight on her hands when Hilary arrives and also proves popular with the locals.
Feeling deflated, Nicola wonders whether she has what it takes to beat Hilary. Who'll come out on top?
Digital Spy understands that Hilary will appear in a handful of episodes over the coming weeks.
New guest cast member Gabrielle played Patricia Farnham on Brookside in the '90s.
Her other credits include Blackadder, Coronation Street, Family Affairs and Unforgotten. She also recently appeared in ITV's Cleaning Up.
Emmerdale airs these scenes on Wednesday, April 3 at 7pm on ITV.
Digital Spy