Pauline Quirke is joining the cast of Emmerdale, ITV has confirmed. Best known for her role as Sharon in the 90s sitcom Birds of a Feather, Pauline will play Hazel, the larger-than-life mum of Aaron's love interest, Jackson. Hazel plans a flying visit to the village - but her stay becomes permanent this winter when she's involved in a dramatic storyline surrounding Aaron and Jackson. Pauline has enjoyed a varied and successful TV since Birds of a Feather, in which she starred alongside her lifelong friend Linda Robson. She has appeared in Down to Earth, Carrie's War and Missing. Pauline said: "I'm really looking forward to joining the show, my mum was a fan back when it was called Emmerdale Farm, so it's always been a part of my life. "The show has really moved on, it's consistently good, there are some great characters and great storylines. "I've especially loved Aaron's story. I've never done anything like this before so it's something different for me and I'm very happy to be a part of it." Gavin Blyth, Emmerdale's series producer, added: "I am absolutely delighted that Pauline will be joining Emmerdale at such an exciting time. She is a fantastic actor who I know will do justice to this character. Pauline starts filming at the end of June and appear on screen in August. Click here to watch whatsontv.co.uk's weekly soaps video preview, the Soap Scoop
