Brookside’s Nicola Stephenson joins Emmerdale

Former Brookside actress Nicola Stephenson is to join ITV soap Emmerdale to play the character of Tess.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. It’s a British institution and I’m very excited about the storylines that they have planned for my character.” – Nicola Stephenson

Tess is a warm, assured person with great heart, who is dedicated to her role as a teaching assistant, but her life will take an unexpected turn when she meets Emmerdale’s long serving vet Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt).

Nicola has a wealth of television and stage credits to her name and is best known for her roles in Brookside, Waterloo Road, The Chase, Clocking Off and most recently Safe House. As Brookside’s Margaret Clemence she made television history with British soap’s first lesbian kiss – shared with character Beth Jordache played by Anna Friel. However it wasn’t the first time it had happened on UK telly, contrary to press reports at the time. Alison Steadman and Myra Frances first brought female snogging to screens in 1974 drama Girl.

“I am delighted to welcome an actress of Nicola’s calibre to the show. We are keeping the exact details of Tess’ storyline under wraps but it is safe to say she will mix things up in the village.” – Kate Oates, Emmerdale series producer

Nicola starts filming this month and the viewers will see her on screen in the Autumn.