Coronation Street star Rachel Leskovac says she is "beyond thrilled" as she announced a new role after her Coronation Street exit.
Rachel played Natasha Blakeman on the ITV soap up until last year, when she was tragically gunned down in a case of mistaken identity after Harvey Gaskell returned to the street to kill Leanne Battersby.
She has revealed she will be joining the cast of Waterloo Road, alongside the likes of fellow Corrie star Kym Marsh as well as Angela Griffin, Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths.
Sharing the exciting news on Instagram, Rachel wrote: "Finally I get to tell you my big news!!!
"I am beyond excited to be joining the amazing cast, playing Head of English ‘Coral Walker’ - Miss Walker to you!!! In the iconic show that is @waterlooroad, it’s gonna be mega! #backtoschool #waterlooroad."
Her former Corrie co-stars rushed to the comments section to congratulate her.
"Ahh amazing news Rach!" Samia Longchambon - who plays Maria - wrote, whilst Jack P Shepherd - who stars as David Platt - left three clapping emojis under her announcement post.
Actress Charlotte Jordan - who stars as Daisy Midgeley on the ITV soap - wrote: "Ahhhh Rachel this is GREAT!!! Can’t wait to see!"
As Rachel's casting was announced, so was Kym Marsh's. She played Michelle Connor on the soap for several years.
Speaking about her new role in Waterloo Road, she said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the fabulous cast of Waterloo Road, it’s such a joy to get the opportunity to film in Manchester again and I can’t wait to get going!"
Executive Producer Cameron Roach added of the new cast: "We’re incredibly excited to announce our new cast, and we believe that alongside the return of Kim Campbell we’re creating some new iconic characters for the next generation of Waterloo Road. We look forward to the audience joining them in the staff room."
Angela Griffin - who played Fiona Middleton on the ITV soap - is thrilled to have her whole staffing team.
"The news is out! Introducing Kim Campbell’s staff @waterlooroad! I cannot wait to work with you all! See you all in school," she wrote.
