Ex-Emmerdale star reveals personal grief

Roxanne Pallett has revealed that she struggled to cope with the death of her best friend.

The actress, who played Jo Sugden for the three years up to 2008, admitted that she suffered from depression so badly that it nearly led to a breakdown.

She told the News of the World: "I've not been out and about until now. Nothing else really mattered. It threw a spanner in the works."

Pallett said that, immediately after the tragedy, she pulled out of a starring role in a pantomime. However, the star's recent guest appearance on BBC One hospital drama Casualty has rejuvenated her spirits.

She continued: "It was a guest lead in one episode. It was nice having something to feel tenacious about.

"Getting up, reading roles, going for the audition - it gives you that momentum and drive that everyone needs at a time like that."