Gillian Taylforth joins 'The Bill'

Ex-EastEnders actress Gillian Taylforth has joined the cast of ITV police drama The Bill.

Gillian - who appeared as Walford's Kathy Mitchell and who currenlty stars as Jackie Pascoe in Footballers' Wives - will soon be gracing the beat of Sun Hill with her presence as major new character Sergeant Nikki Wright.

A married mother of two, Nikki came to policing later in life and has risen through the ranks quickly. She’s good at her job and will have no problems making friends at the station due to an extremely likeable personality.

Of her new role, Gillian said: “I’m very happy and excited. I really love the show and I’m looking forward to the first time I can officially say ‘You’re nicked!’”

The actress will start filming in early July while her eagerly-anticipated debut will be seen on screens in late October.