Soap fans will surely know actress Laurie Brett best from her time on EastEnders in the role of Jane Beale, however, it’s been reported today that the Scots-born Laurie has landed a new role in school soap, Waterloo Road.

And for the first time – on a soap at any rate – we’ll hear Laurie’s native Scottish accent, which she covered astoundingly well to play cockney Jane on EastEnders!

However, her words may well be slurred since she’s to play the role of an alcoholic in Waterloo Road.

The Daily Record reports that Laurie will play the role of English teacher Christine Mulgrew, who arrives at the school in the autumn.

Of her character, Laurie said, “Drink doesn’t affect Christine’s life – unless she doesn’t have any…

“She needs to keep a certain level of drink in her system in order to get through the day.

“In spite of being an alcoholic, Christine’s a very good teacher. But she uses alcohol to function on a day-to-day level.”

And of being able to use her own accent, Laurie said, “I’ve only used my own accent once before – in a commercial years ago.

“This time around, it’s been a great tool to make a distinct departure from the role I’m best known for – Jane in EastEnders…

“The writers could have made Christine from anywhere in the UK, but the fact she was Scottish was a great draw for me.

“Playing in my own accent was quite funny and I hope no one tunes in and says, ‘She’s got a rubbish accent’.”

Finally, of landing the role, Laurie gushed, “I’ve always really loved the show and think it’s amazing [that] it’s now in its eighth series.

“It’s incredibly popular and it’s great to be part of it.”

Here’s a reminder of Laurie in EastEnders…