Will Ash has joined the cast of Emmerdale in the role of Caleb Milligan, the long-lost brother of Cain (Jeff Hordley).
The actor is known for shows including Soldier Soldier, Clocking Off and Waterloo Road - and is a second cousin of Peter Ash, who plays Paul in Coronation Street.
Caleb - described as a "well-connected, successful businessman" - arrives in the Dales this Christmas with "difficult questions" to answer, but it soon becomes clear that Cain's sister Chas (Lucy Pargeter) has been kept in the dark about Caleb's existence.
Ash said: "I'm thrilled to be joining such an iconic show. Emmerdale is packed full of fantastic actors and I'm really looking forward to working alongside them.
"Caleb is a fantastically complex character and I can't wait to get stuck in."
Emmerdale series producer Laura Shaw said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Will Ash to the Village. It's fantastic to have such a high calibre and immensely talented actor join our wonderful team.
"Arriving on screen on Christmas Day, Caleb has to undoubtedly be the most unexpected and shocking Christmas gift Cain and Chas have ever received!
"Calm and in control, rich and successful, at first glance Caleb is everything his brother isn't, but will the pair find they have more in common than they thought? What secrets from the past will come back to haunt them and how will the rest of the family react when Caleb strolls into town?
"His arrival certainly promises to shake things up for the Dingles and make 2023 start off with a huge bang!"
Emmerdale continues weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 - although due to the World Cup, schedules may vary for the next few weeks.
Neil Wilkes
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