Three new characters are to join Crossroads to coincide with the soap's first anniversary.

Raine Davison, Emmerdale's ‘teenager from hell’ Eve Birch, is to play the part of Abbie Baker, a quiet and innocent young chambermaid.

Former This Life and Dream Team star Ramon Tikaram will appear as Eddie Weaver, a local psychiatric nurse who cares for Tracey Booth (Cindy Marshall-Day) when her drink problem gets out of control.

And Jonathan Wrather (ex-Clocking Off, Bob & Rose) is to join the hotel as Sam Delaney, the hotel’s charming and rugged new handyman following Bradley Clarke’s (Luke Walker) departure to start a new life in Manchester.

The new characters will be seen on-screen from April onwards.