Now that the Live episode is out of the way, Emmerdale is treating us to some new arrivals!

In a bid to inject some fresh life following the tragedy and consequences of the epic anniversary week, Emmerdale is to introduce four new characters to the village.

Die to arrive later in the year, fans can look forward to meeting an old college friend of Rhona Goskirk’s (Zoe Henry) as well as the partner of returning character, Bernice Blackstock and a single father and daughter duo.

Vanessa Woodfield played by Michelle Hardwick, best known for her part in hit drama The Royal, is set to reintroduce us to the fun side of her old college pal, Rhona, but is set to ruffle a few feathers along the way with her spade-a-spade attitude, and party girl antics, in particularly those of Rhona’s husband, Paddy (Dominic Brunt).

“As a local girl and a fan of the show, Emmerdale is my dream job,” Hardwick commented.

“After only two days, I am starting to feel at home already and Vanessa is such a fun character I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her.”

Fans of the hit ITV soap will already be aware that Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles) is set to return in the coming weeks to try and re-bond with the daughter she abandoned five years ago. And with her comes her new lover Steve Harland, played by Tom Mannion ( Life On Mars, Spooks and Inside Men), who as well as being an optimistic is a very passionate man who loves enjoying life.

We can all remember the demanding nature of Bernice, not to mention the stress she encountered when becoming a mum, so we wonder how she will cope with the strains of returning and facing up to her actions, and how it will affect her new relationship.

Finally, a brand new village family is arriving in the form of single dad Dominic Andrews (Wil Johnson) and his wayward teenage daughter Gemma (Tendai Rinomhota).

Wil is best known for his role as DCI Spencer Jordan in BBC drama Waking the Dead, whilst Tendai has previously appeared in Waterloo Road.

Series producer Stuart Blackburn said: “It’s an exciting new season for Emmerdale and we are delighted to welcome Michelle, Tom, Wil and Tendai to the cast.”

Michelle and Tom have already settled in and begun filming their first scenes, whilst Wil and Tendai start shooting theirs in the next few weeks.

Emmerdale can be seen week nights on ITV1/ITV1 HD.