Four new faces are set to join Emmerdale this autumn, including one actor who’s more used to Cold Case crime-solving than life in the Dales. Wil Johnson, best-known for playing DCI Spencer Jordan in BBC’s Waking the Dead, will arrive soon as mechanic Dominic Andrews, accompanied by wayward teenage daughter Gemma (played by 14-year-old Tendai Rinomhota). 

Said Johnson: “I can’t wait to get started. I am looking forward to an exciting journey. I’ve been told anything could happen with my character.” 

The vet’s surgery will also be shaken up with the arrival of Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick, The Royal), a wild friend of Rhona’s from her college years. We’re promised that Vanessa will be a plain-speaking party girl who clashes with Rhona’s husband Paddy. 

“As a local girl and a fan of the show, Emmerdale is my dream job,” said Hardwick. “After only 2 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.”

Finally, Bernice’s lover, Steve Harland (Tom Mannion, Spooks) will prove himself to be a passionate, optimistic man who likes to get the most out of life. 

Mannnion said: “I’m really looking forward to the adventure that is Emmerdale.”

Series producer Stuart Blackburn added: “It’s an exciting new season for Emmerdale and we are delighted to welcome Michelle, Tom, Wil and Tendai to the cast.” 

Hardwick and Mannion have already filmed their first scenes, while Johnson and Rinomhota are due to begin filming in the next few weeks.