Former Coronation Street actor Chris Bisson is to join the cast of Emmerdale as one of three new siblings. Chris, who played Vikram Desai in Coronation Street, will play Jai Sharma who, along with his brother Nikhil and sister Priya, arrives in the village to manage the new confectionary factory. Nikhil will be played by Torchwood star Rik Makarem while Priya will be played by Hollyoaks in the City actress Effie Woods. Chris, who has also starred in Shameless, said of his new role: "Jai is a bit of a charmer and has an eye for the ladies but he's also a hard worker with a good business mind. "I'm delighted to be joining Emmerdale at a time when the show is going from strength to strength. I can't wait to get started." Gavin Blyth, series producer, said: "The Sharmas are a young, contemporary family independent of their parents and will bring the factory into the heart of the village community. They will add real vitality to life in Emmerdale." The Sharmas are the latest in a string of signings for the ITV1 soap. Hope Springs actress Sian Reeves joins as Sally Spode and Emma Atkins will reprise her role as Charity Tate in October. The Sharmas will hit our screens in September. Click here to watch whatsontv.co.uk's new weekly soaps video preview, the Soap Scoop
