Carolynne Poole failed to find fame on the X Factor last year, but it seems that she might be finally about hit the big time.

The stunning singer made it as far as judges houses on the ITV show last year, before being dropped by Louis Walsh in favour of Goldie Cheung – no one could ever say the Irish star had good taste – however it seems she can act as well as sing and may be about to make her debut on a popular British soap.

The Sun reports that the brunette beauty, who once dated football ace Rio Ferdinand will be joining the cast of Emmerdale later this year and will play the love interest for an existing major character.

Insiders say that the star – who finished in third place in the second series of Fame Academy – has already started filming her scenes and is hoping to be made a regular cast member before the year is out.

A source said: “Carolynne is very sexy and will turn a few heads in the Dales. She filmed in the Woolpack and had a blast.”

Poole has appeared on stage in pantomime and has also acted in a number of short films. In August 2008, she began shooting her first feature film playing ‘Frankie’ in ‘The Last Days of Edgar Harding’, and played the role of Sue in Bill Kenwright’s UK Tour of Dreamboats and Petticotes in 2010.