Acclaimed actress Pauline Quirke joins the cast of Emmerdale as the latest exciting new signing set to keep viewers glued to their seats this autumn.

The TV favourite will play Hazel, she is full of energy with a thirst for life and will come in as the free spirited mother of Aaron’s love interest, Jackson.

Hazel plans a flying visit to Emmerdale where she makes herself known to the residents and catches the eye of a newly single villager. However, her stay will become more permanent when she finds herself involved in the hugely dramatic storyline which will affect Aaron and Jackson this winter.

A teacher by trade, Hazel has been quite nomadic in her lifestyle since splitting from Jackson’s dad, flitting from one country to another, but events conspire to keep her in the village longer than planned.

Pauline rocketed to fame as Sharon in the hit sit-com Birds of a Feather alongside her lifelong friend Linda Robson and has since enjoyed a varied and successful TV career. Her acclaimed credits include; The Sculptress; Down to Earth; Cold Blood; Carrie’s War and Missing.

Pauline says: “I’m really looking forward to joining the show, my mum was a fan back when it was called Emmerdale Farm, so it’s always been a part of my life. The show has really moved on, it’s consistently good, there are some great characters and great storylines, I’ve especially loved Aaron’s story. I’ve never done anything like this before so it’s something different for me and I’m very happy to be a part of it.”

Series Producer Gavin Blyth added: “I am absolutely delighted that Pauline will be joining Emmerdale at such an exciting time. She is a fantastic actor who I know will do justice to this character. Alongside Aaron and Jackson, she will be at the centre of an enormous and gripping storyline this autumn/winter. One to really look forward to.”

Pauline starts filming at the end of June and will be on screens in August.