Veteran actress Louise Jameson has joined the cast of Emmerdale playing Mary, the domineering mother of Rhona (Zoe Henry).

Mary arrives in the village at an important moment in her daughter's life and becomes an instant hit with everyone she meets - although her relationship with Rhona is somewhat strained.

Jameson, known for her roles in Doctor Who and EastEnders, said: "It feels like such a gift to be welcomed into the Emmerdale cast. Playing Zoe's on screen mum is the icing on the cake."

Producer Laura Shaw added: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Louise to Emmerdale.

"It's great to have such a high calibre and talented actor join our already strong team and she will be a fabulous asset to the show.

"Intelligent, witty and complex, Mary promises to be a force to be reckoned with in the village and for Rhona, there won't ever be a dull moment whilst her domineering mother is around."

Jameson's first scenes will air later this spring.