Quirke: 'Emmerdale cast like family'

Pauline Quirke has said that the Emmerdale cast have become like family to her.

It was revealed in December that Quirke, who made her debut as Hazel Walsh last year, had signed a new 12-month deal to remain with the Yorkshire drama.

"I love being in Emmerdale, I couldn't have asked for a nicer cast. They feel like family," she told The Sun. "My daughter, Emily, works as a nanny to my co-star Suzanne Shaw's son, Corey."

Quirke, who also spoke about her new efforts to lose weight, admitted that she was impressed by the canteen at the show's studio when she first joined.

"They have the best cooks and I'd grab a fry-up for breakfast, snack throughout the day then have a big dinner," she said of her previous eating habits. "If I ever get invited to some TV awards again, it will be great to walk down the red carpet with my head held high."