Entertainment

Suzanne Shaw joins the Dales

Former Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw is to join the cast of Emmerdale, it has been announced.

Making her debut in a few months, Shaw is to start filming in February as the flirtatious granddaughter of village battleaxe Edna.

Speaking of the news, Shaw said: "I am so excited to be joining the cast of such a popular and long-standing show.

The 28-year-old will be playing  the role of Eve, and her unexpected arrival is set to ruffle a few feathers as she unleashes her charm on the men in Emmerdale.

"Eve is going to be such a fun character to play", said Shaw of her latest role, which follows West End appearances in Chicago and The Rocky Horror Show.

"She's a real flirt and her arrival is definitely going to cause fireworks."

Shaw rose to fame after winning 'Popstars' with the band Hear'Say. Since then she has established a career in musical theatre, starring in 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' as well as taking the lead of Roxy Heart in 'Chicago'.

Despite her performing experience, Shaw still remained conscious of the show's substantial following: "It's quite daunting to think I'll be watched by millions of people every night but I can't wait to get stuck in to country life!"

Series producer, Gavin Blyth said: "We are delighted to welcome Suzanne to the cast.

"Viewers can look forward to some explosive storylines as Eve cranks up the heat in the village and attracts her fair share of male attention!"

Shaw isn't the only Hear'Say singer to have appeared in a soap; former bandmate Kym Marsh is a regular on Coronation Street.

Viewers can see Shaw make her debt as Eve in April.