Emmerdale signs major rival soap star for huge new villain role – and it's bad news for Moira Dingle
EMMERDALE has signed up a star of a rival soap for an explosive new storyline - and it'll be bad news for Moira Dingle.
The ITV soap has snapped up esteemed actress Jaye Griffiths who has had major roles in Casualty, The Bill, Silent Witness and Doctors.
2
Jaye Griffiths is joining Emmerdale as the formidable Celia
Credit: ITV
2
The actress has had a long and distinguished career but will now play a soap villain
Credit: ITV
And she's going to be playing a new villainous character who could prove problematic for farmer Moira Dingle.
Viewers know Moira is in serious trouble and facing massive fines for her farm contaminating the water supply.
And while it was John Sugden who framed Mackenzie Boyd for the
crime
, Moira's facing losing her beloved farm.
So when a neighbouring farmer makes herself known, Moira's facing a huge crisis.
Read more on Emmerdale
Newcomer Ceilia calls to enquire if she can rent two of her fields, Moira is quick to shrug her off, but she clearly means
business
.
Celia's reputation precedes her as Moira isn't keen to deal with this woman, despite bad finances on her own farm.
And soon when poor vet Paddy is brutally attacked and hospitalised by one of Celia's guard
dogs
we start to get the measure of her true colours from her reaction to the attack.
Producer Laura Shaw explains: 'We are absolutely delighted to have
Most read in Soaps
'Having recently taken over a nearby farm, not much is known about mysterious Celia's past before arriving on the outskirts of the village.
'While Celia has a tough edge with an air of respectability, the audience, and our villagers, will soon start to see what this woman is truly capable of.'
Emmerdale rules out return for major star in brutal storyline
Jaye explains: 'I was delighted to get this role - without giving the game away she is very different to anyone I have played before and I can't wait to really get into the heart of her storyline.'
Celia is
renting
a neighbouring farm in Emmerdale from Kim Tate, but with the Bartons and Sugdens as
farming
families already well established within the community there is definitely conflict on its way.
Jaye is known for her previous roles in The Bill, Casualty and Doctors.
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