Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, is introducing a new character who is in a wheelchair and suffering from the same disease as the actress that plays her.

Kelly-Marie Stewart has been hired to play Zak’s sister Hayley, she suffers from Guillain-Barre Syndrome – a disease which effects the nervous system.

We will be watching Hayley on the TV show from January 2009 and will be mistaken by Zak’s girlfriend Michaela as a love rival.

Kelly-Marie said: “Hayley’s very feisty and has the right attitude that if anyone is not cool enough to see her for who she actually is, it’s their problem, not hers.

“I can’t wait to see how Hayley takes on anybody who dares to show their ignorance, not least her own brother!”