Family Affairs fans will soon spot a familiar face on the beat at Sun Hill.

Cat Simmons, who played Scarlet Anderson in the ill-fated Five soap, is to join ITV1's The Bill.

The actress will play trainee DC Kezia Walker.

Although taking on such a high-profile role may be daunting, she will have at least one old friend to keep her company.

ITV has revealed her first episode will include a guest appearance by Kazia Pelka, who played Charnham's Chrissie Costello for two years and has also cropped up in Brookside and Coronation Street. She will appear as DAC Georgia Hobbs.

Cat's other credits include The Afternoon Play, and she has featured in episodes of Doctors and Holby City.

She won't be the only new recruit joining the ranks of The Bill - the programme's bosses have confirmed two other signings.

Christine Stephen-Daly, who played Lara Stone in Casualty, is also set to join as Kristen Shaw, a dodgy character who becomes the main focus of Phil Hunter's investigation.

Daniel Flynn has been cast as Superintendent John Heaton, who is set to ruffle feathers when he tries to impose a new regime at the station.

The actor has previously appeared in shows including Afterlife, Island at War and Peak Practice, and is the brother of former Solider, Solider star Jerome Flynn.