New character in the Dales

Actor George Costigan will be joining the cast of the soap...

18:00 22 December 2009

Actor George Costigan will be joining the cast of popular ITV soap Emmerdale in the New Year, according to reports.

Costigan will play Charlie Haynes, an old friend of Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower).

Charlie, a promiscuous charismatic businessman, is set to arrive in March and quickly wins the affection of Woolpack landlady Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen).

Of his new role, Costigan said: "I'm really looking forward to joining the show, some of my favourite actors are in Emmerdale and it'll be great to be back in Yorkshire.

I've never played a long-running character before so I'm also excited about Charlie and hope both myself and the audience enjoy the ride!"

Show producer Gavin Blyth added: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome George to Emmerdale. ItÂ’s great to have such a high calibre actor join our already strong cast and 2010 is shaping up to be more exciting than ever.

Charlie will be at the heart of village life as Diane's new love."

Costigan's screen credits include, films 'Rita, Sue And Bob Too', 'Shirley Valentine' and'Calendar Girls' as well as television shows 'Doctor Who', 'A Touch Of Frost' and 'Midsomer Murders'.