Coronation Street star Michelle Collins is joining Casualty.
The former EastEnders star - who has finished filming her role as Corrie's Stella Price - will play patient Samantha in the BBC medical drama.
Michelle said: "I got offered the guest role in Casualty very soon after finishing Corrie. I jumped at the chance of playing a character so different so quickly - it was exciting to be stepping into something new. Playing Stella was great fun, but it was thrilling to have a challenge of an entirely different role."
The London-born actress, who sparked criticism when she first joined Coronation Street for her northern accent, added: "Londoner Samantha is nothing like Stella - I dyed my hair to leave Stella behind which fitted in well with the role.
"I'm pleased to be involved in another hit drama TV show so soon, even if it's just for a short while. Since leaving Corrie it's been great to get my teeth into different characters and I'm looking forward to new opportunities which have been coming my way."
Samantha will be taken to Holby A&E department after being injured while trying to help rescue a competitive father, who has a heart attack after a running race with his son.
She will also be a new love interest for paramedic Jeff (Matt Bardock), who treated her at the scene, as the pair soon begin a relationship. But Samantha is hiding a secret from Jeff that could spell disaster for both of them.
Casualty's executive producer Oliver Kent added: "We can't wait for everyone to meet Samantha and see where her story goes over the two months she's on screen. Michelle has been absolutely brilliant and her arrival is set to have a huge impact on one of the show's most loved characters."
Michelle will debut in BBC1's Casualty in July.
