Former Neighbours star Anne Charleston is to join the cast of ITV1 soap Emmerdale later this year.

The Australian actress, who spent 11 years on Ramsay Street as Madge Bishop, will play Lily, the estranged sister of Edna Birch, played by Shirley Stelfox.

Her character, in the Dales to attend her great niece's wedding, will appear in three episodes in November with the potential of a longer run to follow.

"I am over the moon to be joining one of my favourite soaps," she said.

The actress - who also appeared in Crossroads as well as 2002 sitcom Dossa and Joe - said she was "delighted to be playing such a fantastic character".

Series producer Kathleen Beedles said: "We are looking forward to welcoming Anne on set.

"Viewers can expect to see sparks fly when Edna and Lily are reunited."

Melbourne-born Charleston - who played Madge from 1986 to 1992 and from 1996 to 2001 - is currently based in Ireland.

Earlier this month, Emmerdale star Ursula Holden-Gill was voted best soap actress at the TV Quick and TV Choice Awards.

The show also picked up a prize for best soap storyline.