Linda Lusardi joins 'Emmerdale'

Actress Linda Lusardi is to join Emmerdale in the New Year as part of a "shocking" storyline which will keep villagers gossiping for months.

The 48-year-old former Page 3 model will play the part of Carrie Nicholls - mother of Tom King's (Ken Farrington) secret teenage daughter, Scarlet. Carrie turns up in the Dales to attend Tom's funeral after he plummeted to his death on Christmas Day.

As Jimmy (Nick Miles), Matthew (Matt Healy) and Carl (Tom Lister) reel from the news that they have a sister they knew nothing about, Carrie makes clear that she is determined to ensure her daughter gets what she’s entitled to from the King empire.

Of her new role, Linda said: "I’m thrilled to be joining such a popular show and can’t wait to start filming in January. I’m really excited about the character as it sounds like she’s going to be brilliant fun to play!"

Series producer Kathleen Beedles added: "We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Linda to the cast. Carrie is an intelligent, strong-willed woman and will be determined to stand up to the King family at whatever cost."

Linda - who is currently appearing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth - will first appear on-screen in February.