Emmerdale's Pallett joining Waterloo Road

Former Emmerdale star Roxanne Pallett has signed up to appear in the new series of BBC drama Waterloo Road.

The 28 year old played Jo Sugden in the soap until 2008, when she left to compete on celebrity ice skating competition Dancing On Ice.

She has since starred in medical drama Casualty and now Pallett is to play a 17-year-old student in the popular series, according to the Daily Star.

A source tells the publication, "There is always plenty of drama on Waterloo Road and Roxanne's character will be right in the middle of it. Roxanne is so popular with viewers so it's no wonder they've signed her up.

"There aren't many actresses who can play someone more than ten years younger than them. Most people who are nearly 30 have forgotten what school was like but Roxanne has gone back for a new term on one of TV's top shows."

Pallett is due to hit screens in her new role later this year.