Tommy Cannon and Louis Healy have joined the cast of 'Emmerdale'.

Bobby Ball and Tommy Cannon

Bobby Ball and Tommy Cannon

The 81-year-old comedian - who let slip news of his casting on Twitter last month - will arrive in the Dales as Derek, a patient of Dr Manpreet Jutla (Rebecca Sarker), in the week of 16 September, though it unclear how long his guest role will last.

In the same week, 18-year-old Louis - who is the son of Denise Welch and Tim Healy - Healy - will make his first appearance as Danny, who will befriend Sarah Sugden (Sophia Moore) and quickly become her new love interest.

Soap bosses are keeping the full nature of the two newcomers' storylines under wraps for the time being but they are expected to have serious consequences for the other residents of the village.

Tommy let slip the news about his "brief" stint last month on Twitter.

He wrote: "Excited to be able to announce that I'm doing a brief stint as 'Derek' in

@emmerdale !! Spending some time in the dales (sic)"

Tommy's long-term sidekick Bobby Ball quickly shared his excitement about seeing his good pal on 'Emmerdale'.

He tweeted: "Can't wait to see tommy in Emmerdale.... I am so chuffed for him..... (sic)"

And the veteran comic was also inundated with messages of congratulations from his future co-stars and other famous friends.

Karen Blick - who plays Lydia Hart on the show - wrote: "Brilliant news x"

Dean Andrews (Will Taylor) added: "Welcome Tommy"

Paddy McGuinness - who made a guest appearance in 'Coronation Street' in 2015 - tweeted: "Congrats pal."

Meanwhile, former 'Coronation Street' star Denise is delighted with her son's new job.

She tweeted a link to the news of his casting and wrote: "Exciting news just in!!! @emmerdale (sic)"