Dales star suggests Jill Halfpenny casting

Emmerdale newcomer Chelsea Halfpenny has revealed that she would like her aunt Jill Halfpenny to land a role on the show.

The actress told Inside Soap that Jill would be an ideal choice to play the mother of her troublesome character Amy Wyatt.

Jill is already well-known to soap fans after playing Rebecca Hopkins in Coronation Street, Kate Mitchell in EastEnders and Izzie Redpath in Waterloo Road.

Chelsea explained: "It would be good if Jill played my mum. I'll have to put a word in. We used to live together and have a lot of the same mannerisms, so it would work really well.

"Apparently Amy is still in touch with her mum. So you never know - it could happen!"

Amy is currently at the centre of a fostering storyline involving established characters Eric and Val Pollard, played by Chris Chittell and Charlie Hardwick.

"I couldn't be more lucky," Chelsea commented. "They both play funny, well-loved characters and they've made me feel very welcome. We're a proper little family unit - Charlie and Chris are like my mum and dad and really look after me.

"They absolutely love their jobs too, and it's nice to be around people who are so happy and relaxed."