SOAP QUEEN Emmerdale legend scores soap hat-trick as she joins cast of Hollyoaks – and her debut is just days away

AN Emmerdale legend has landed a soap hat-trick as it’s been revealed she’s joined a rival soap as part of new storyline.

Glenda McKay, who first appeared on Emmerdale in 1988, has now joined the cast of Hollyoaks – almost 27 years after she quit the ITV soap for a very different career.

 

'Emmerdale' TV Series UK - Apr 1999

Emmerdale legend Glenda McKay has announced her new role as Dr Pearce in HollyoaksCredit: Instagram/@reddoormanagement

'Emmerdale' TV Series UK - Apr 1999

The star has landed herself a soap hat-trick having appeared on Emmerdale, Coronation Street and now Channel 4’s HollyoaksCredit: Rex Features

Channel 4 bosses have cast the 54-year-old actress with the intention to include her in a forthcoming storyline.

It’s been revealed Glenda is playing a new character named Dr Pearce, though it’s currently unclear how long the soap star will remain on the show for.

The soap star’s exciting new casting was confirmed in a post shared by the talent agency Red Door Management.

They said in a post on social media: “Tune into Hollyoaks at 7pm this evening on E4 to catch Red Door’s Glenda McKay as Dr Pearce.”

Read more on Hollyoaks

Glenda’s Hollyoaks role comes just months after she made a guest appearance on rival soap Coronation Street.

On the cobbles, Glenda played a social worker named Alison Hale who was dealing with street couple Tim and Sally Metcalfe as they fought to foster the Michealis’ children following their mum Lou’s imprisonment.

The actress left Emmerdale over 25 years ago when she was killed off in a memorable storyline which saw her brutally pushed off a cliff.

'Emmerdale' TV Series - Dec 1995

Glenda’s Emmerdale character, Rachel Hughes, was embroiled in a number of the show’s biggest storylines from affairs to having a secret childCredit: Rex

Glenda Mckay Television: Emmerdale (1993) Characters: Rachel Hughes (26 episodes, 1988-1999) 08 April 1991 **WARNING** This Photograph is for editorial use only and is the copyright of THE YORKSHIRE DALES and/or the Photographer assigned by the Film

The 54-year-old made her debut on Emmerdale back in 1988Credit: Alamy

She spent more than 11 years on the soap and appeared in almost 750 episodes.

Her character, Rachel Hughes, was embroiled in a number of the show’s biggest storylines from affairs to having a secret child.

Glenda’s final storyline saw her enter a toxic relationship with teacher Graham Clark.

He coerced her into dressing differently and forced her to dye her hair in an attempt to mould her into his dead wife.

Twisted Graham then attempted to force himself on her as she tried to break up with him.

He later chased Rachel and cornered her on a clifftop, she confronted him, and Graham ultimately pushed her to her death.

The evil teacher then lead Rachel’s friends and fellow villagers to believe that she was missing.

Since leaving Emmerdale in 1999, Glenda has only landed a handful of TV roles including guest stints on The Royal and Doctors.

She also previously appeared on Hollyoaks in 2006 as a registrar.

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In 2005, Glenda appeared as Tina in Coronation Street as a love interest of cabbie Lloyd Mulaney (Craig Charles).

But in recent years, the former soap star made a startling career change as she ditched acting to work as a primary school teacher.