Former ‘EastEnders’ actress Jacqueline Leonard is joining the cast of ‘Coronation Street’.
Jacqueline – who played barmaid Lorraine Wicks in the BBC soap from April 1996 until November 1997 – has been cast as Weatherfield newcomer Linda.
She will turn up unexpectedly to surprise her ex-husband Owen Armstrong, played by Ian Puleston-Davies, and their two children Katy and Izzy, played by Georgia May Foote and Cherylee Houston respectively.
Speaking about her new role, Jacqueline said: "I am incredibly honoured and excited to be joining the amazing cast of Coronation Street."
Jacqueline told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I love the Northern wit and humour along with the drama and tension that the wonderful scripts of ‘Coronation Street’ encapsulate."
This new development comes after Ian’s announcement that he would be retiring his character Owen in the new year.
He said: "I have returned to my writing and in 2015 hope to put on a new play. But I’d never rule out returning to the role of Owen at some point."
The ITV soap’s executive producer, Kieran Robert has also announced that the ITV soap is planning to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a live episode.
Speaking about the live special, which is scheduled to air in September 2015, Kieran said: "The cast, writers, and production team are exhilarated by the prospect of a live broadcast as the programme’s 50th anniversary episode was received so brilliantly by the audience."
Jacqueline Leonard joins cast of Coronation Street
