Lin Blakley joins Emmerdale

Lin Blakley has joined the cast of 'Emmerdale'.

The former 'EastEnders' star - who played Pam Coker in the BBC One soap - is to star as Georgia Sharma, who was originally played by 'The Bill' legend Trudie Goodwin, in the ITV show.

Lin said: "How lucky am I to play such a strong character as Georgia.

"So different from roles I’ve played of late. I have enjoyed every single minute.

"Gorgeous cast and crew!! And the gorgeous Dales. Thank you, 'Emmerdale'."

No-nonsense Georgia is set to ruffle some feathers on the eve of her son Jai Sharma's (Chris Bisson) wedding to Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy).

Producer Kate Brooks said: "We're thrilled to have an actor of Lin's calibre step into the role of the formidable Georgia.

"A force to be reckoned with, she'll have a secret for the Sharmas that could potentially blow their world apart."

Lin appeared in 'EastEnders' from 2014 to 2019 and then returned for some brief stints.

During her main spell on the soap, Lin worked closely with Harry Reid, who portrayed Ben Mitchell, but when she returned to Albert Square she worked alongside Max Bowden, who took over the role from Harry.

In October 2019, Lin admitted she thought it might be "weird" working alongside a new Ben actor.

She told Digital Spy: "I loved Harry [Reid], he is a gorgeous kid and so is Max equally - he is a lovely actor. It just felt really natural as if I had worked with him before.

"Obviously I miss Harry, and I did think it was going to be weird, but it wasn't at all."

Lin also admitted she is grateful to 'EastEnders' for giving her the role as Pam, because the part "opened a few doors" for her as an actress.

She added: "I absolutely love everything about it. I'm glad they chose me because it certainly opened a few more doors for me as an actress.

"Coming back into the business at the end of 2003 I didn't quite expect to do something like this.

"Being in people's homes four nights a week. I can't tell you how thankful I am for that."