'Emmerdale' stars are wonderful, says Trudie Goodwin

Emmerdale's new recruit Trudie Goodwin has praised her soap co-stars, hailing them as "wonderful people".

The actress was recently cast in the role of no-nonsense Georgia Sharma, who is mum to existing regulars Jai (Chris Bisson) and Nikhil (Rik Makarem).

Emmerdale fans get their first glimpse of Georgia in next Thursday's double bill as she arrives in the village to meet Jai's fiancée Charity Tate (Emma Atkins).

Goodwin told Inside Soap of her new job: "I'm thrilled to be here. I've had to hit the ground running because there are so many scripts to learn. But I couldn't have asked for two nicer boys to play my sons. They - and Emma Atkins, who plays Charity - are truly wonderful people."

Georgia makes her arrival alongside husband Rishi (Bhasker Patel) and daughter Priya, meaning that the full family will be seen on screen together for the first time. Fiona Wade takes over the role of Priya, who was previously played by Effie Woods.

Goodwin added: "The boys and Emma got together with us and did a run-through of all our scenes the day before we first filmed with them, and then they took us out to dinner in Leeds. I thought that was above and beyond the call of duty.

"The public reaction has been great as well. When I walk around Leeds, people keep stopping me to tell me how much they love Emmerdale and how glad they are that I'm joining the show. The whole experience couldn't be nicer for me, really."

Goodwin previously played the role of June Ackland on The Bill for 23 years.

> Emmerdale casts Jai Sharma's parents and sister
> Emmerdale Sharma newcomers 'will ruffle feathers'
> Emmerdale star Trudie Goodwin: 'I won't stay on soap'
> Emmerdale Emma Atkins 'delighted' over Trudie Goodwin arrival
> Read more Emmerdale news and spoilers