Sanderson speaks out on 'Heartbeat' role

Nikki Sanderson has spoken out about her new role as barmaid Dawn Bellamy in Heartbeat.

The former Coronation Street actress will play the niece of the late PC Phil Bellamy in the British police drama.

Commenting on her arrival, Sanderson told New!: "Being the new girl is scary, but everyone has shown me a great time.

"I was scared of being left out and the youngest, thinking no one would speak to me, but it’s been quite the opposite."

Speaking about her character, she described Dawn as "ditsy, fun" and "childish".

Sanderson, who has been dating ex-soap star Danny Young for three and a half years, said she has no intention of settling down with a family anytime soon.

"I'm not ruling it out for the future but I'm dedicating my life to being a successful, credible actress at the moment and putting all my energy into that," she said.