EMMERDALE's head honcho Laura Shaw has revealed that a show legend is prepping to make a huge return in the New Year.
The show is preparing to unveil a series of new storylines for the Christmas period as well as a string of brand new faces.
Viewers of the show are also being left on the edge of their seats at the announcement that a popular face from the past will also be back in the Dales.
Speaking to The Sun and other press, Laura teased that the returning character will have ties to a current villager and will be forced to help them out during a time of need.
Hinting at the exciting arrival, Laura said: "We’ve got a familiar face returning in the new year.
"This person comes back to help one of our villagers who’s in a little bit of trouble.
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"We’ll leave you to guess who the familiar face might be coming back in January."
The news comes hot off the heels of the show revealing that former Coronation Street actress Paula Lane will be making her debut on the programme.
She will play newcomer Ella Forster.
Paula, 37, is best known for playing Kylie Platt in Coronation Street from 2010 until her character's tragic death in 2016.
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While Kylie was feisty, her new character Ella has been described as compassionate and caring, and will be introduced to Emmerdale viewers in January.
Ella soon finds herself out of a job when she sticks up for Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) who’s attending a Veterinary Ball with her partner Paddy Kirk.
Speaking about her new role, Paula said: "I'm so excited to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. Everyone has been so welcoming and I can't wait to start a new chapter playing the role of Ella.
"I've already heard there are big plans for her and I can't wait to see her navigate a new life in the village and hopefully make some friends!”
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