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Former Emmerdale and Lilies star Catherine Tyldesley has joined the cast of Coronation Street, playing Michelle Collins's on-screen daughter.

The actress begins filming at the Weatherfield soap later this week in the role of feisty Eva, part of the new family who will be taking over at the Rovers Return from June.

Last month, Corrie bosses confirmed the casting of Collins as new landlady Stella and John Michie as her husband Karl, who will soon be making their mark at the iconic pub. At the time, it was revealed that Stella's daughter would also be joining the show, but news of Tyldesley's casting in the role only emerged today.

Writing on Twitter this afternoon, Tyldesley commented: "Excited for my first day on the cobbles this Friday??? Just a bit!!!!"

Meanwhile, on his own Twitter page, Antony Cotton - who plays Weatherfield's Sean Tully - revealed: "A bit of exciting news - my lovely friend @cathtyldesley is playing Eva in Coronation Street. She starts on Friday!"

Tyldesley had a two-month stint on Emmerdale last year, playing prison officer Abi Peterson, who grew close to Ryan Lamb (James Sutton) while he was behind bars.

Along with playing Iris Moss on Lilies, her other screen credits include roles in Doctors, Holby City and sketch show Skallywagga.

The arrival of Stella, Karl and Eva has been tipped to cause a stir on the cobbles, marking the beginning of a new era for The Rovers.

Earlier today, a tabloid report suggested that Stella will be revealed as Leanne Barlow's real mother after she turns up in Weatherfield.