Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street bosses have cast former Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten in a new guest role.
Gemma, best known for playing Rachel Breckle in the Dales, has landed the part of Isla Haywood – a new love interest for Tyrone Dobbs.
Isla meets newly-single Tyrone (Alan Halsall) early next month when her daughter Darcy attends a party with Hope Stape.
Instantly attracted to Tyrone, flirty Isla suggests that the four of them should go off for milkshakes together. Isla then seizes the opportunity to take things further, asking Tyrone whether he'd like to join her alone for a drink later.
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Tyrone's ex-fiancée Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) is furious when she finds out about his date, but things are about to get even worse for him.
When Tyrone and Isla arrive at the restaurant, a man spots them, introduces himself as Isla's husband Tony and wastes no time before punching his new love rival.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other media about the new role, Gemma commented: "It's so exciting. I've done some amazing jobs over the years and been so fortunate, but it doesn't just go over my head when something like this comes along.
"This was my first audition back after the lockdown and it was such a wonderful job to get.
"My agent called and said that Corrie had asked to see me, so it was really nice to be asked to audition. The moment I read the character breakdown, I thought the part of Isla was brilliant.
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"When I found out I got it, I was on the train and my agent called. I was so excited but I couldn't tell anyone.
"Corrie is a national institution and I've watched it since I was a kid. My heart was in my mouth when I walked in. Going on the cobbles was surreal. I was petrified, but Alan Halsall was there with a big grin. He was a dream to work with and just so easy to talk to."
She continued: "Isla is feisty, bold, quite brave and courageous. She knows who she is. She's not afraid to own who she is and be a bit flirty.
"Isla likes Tyrone because he has heart of gold. When she meets him, she wants to find out more. I think there's a connection there."
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With a few unanswered questions left over by the time Isla's stint ends, Gemma added that she's hoping to reprise the role in the future.
Pondering Isla's secrecy over her husband, Gemma said: "There was a discussion around all of this with the directors. Is this something Isla does on a regular basis? Maybe she's trying to push her husband's buttons.
"If we were to dig a little deeper and Isla were to come back, there were elements we wanted to leave open to explore.
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"Tyrone does very quickly get punched in the face, bless him! I'd like to see Isla come back, apologise to Tyrone and give him a bit of a confidence boost back because he's not doing well with the ladies.
"Fiz and Phill see it all when it happens, so it's a double blow for Tyrone. I just wanted to hug him."
Away from the soap world, Gemma continues to manage the charity SEED, which offers support and advice over eating disorders.
This evening (October 26), Gemma will hold her second annual SEED charity gala, hosted by Dr Ranj Singh and featuring a performance by Britain's Got Talent star Callum Scott.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7.30pm on ITV.
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