Theatre star joins Emmerdale's ranks

There's a new face heading for the rural idyll of Emmerdale - Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi is joining the cast to play new factory worker Leyla Harding.

The latest addition to the show's characters is described as 'streetwise' and 'savvy', and makes her debut later this month.

Rokhsaneh, who has appeared in Rafta Rafta at the Royal National Theatre and the UK stage tour of East Is East, said: "I'm so excited. This is a brilliant opportunity for me as I've done lots of theatre but not much TV.

"Everyone at Emmerdale has been so warm and welcoming. It's such a well-established show and I can't wait to see what Leyla gets up to."

Emmerdale's series producer Anita Turner added: "Rokhsaneh is a terrific actress and an exciting new addition to the cast. Leyla's going to have some fun stirring up the factory."

The beautiful newcomer gets a warm welcome from Eric Pollard (Chris Chitell), but her reluctance to talk about her private life has the gossips wondering why she's in Emmerdale in the first place.

Via ukpress