George Costigan joins 'Emmerdale'

Rita, Sue and Bob Too star George Costigan has joined the cast of Emmerdale.

The 62-year-old, who played promiscuous businessman Bob in the 1987 film, is to take on the role of Charlie Haynes, an old friend of Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower).

Charlie, a self-made entrepreneur, arrives in the village in March and quickly turns the head of Woolpack landlady Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen).

Costigan said of his casting: "I'm really looking forward to joining the show. Some of my favourite actors are in Emmerdale and it'll be great to be back in Yorkshire."

He added: "I've never played a long-running character before so I'm also excited about Charlie and hope both myself and the audience enjoy the ride!"

Series producer Gavin Blyth commented: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome George to Emmerdale. It's great to have such a high calibre actor join our already strong cast and 2010 is shaping up to be more exciting than ever. Charlie will be at the heart of village life as Diane's new love."

Costigan begins filming at Emmerdale's home in Leeds next month.

His other screen credits include Shirley Valentine, A Touch of Frost, Doctor Who and See no Evil: The Story of the Moors Murders.