'Hollyoaks' have added Lucy-Jo Hudson to the soap, and re-cast the role of Liberty Savage.

Jessamy Stoddart as Liberty

Jessamy Stoddart as Liberty

The Channel 4 show have confirmed the former 'Coronation Street' actress will join the programme as reckless Donna-Marie, alongside her on-screen son Romeo, who will be portrayed by Owen Warner.

Lucy-Jo and Owen will be seen on screen this summer, with Donna-Marie hiding a heart-breaking past.

Romeo will join forces with Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer) to put together a get-rich-quick scheme as part of one of a number of money-making ventures to get cash for his wayward mother, who he has a fractured relationship with.

West End star Jessamy Stoddart has also joined the soap as Liberty - previously played by Abi Phillips - who will return from Los Angeles, where she had been pursuing a music dream.

A 'Hollyoaks' spokesperson said: "Liberty later left Hollyoaks to pursue a music career in LA after landing a record deal, but the reality of the LA dream turned out to be a little less shiny than she had anticipated and it's time to return home.

"She has missed her family and is excited to make up for lost time with Dirk and get to know her extended family better. Just like she did when she was younger, she will be the glue that holds the family together."

What's more, David Tag will appear as Goldie's older brother Sylvester 'Sylver' McQueen with a cloud of a tormented past hanging over him after he was recently released from prison after was locked up for bumping off his abusive step-father.

He will arrive in the village looking for a fresh start after serving time, and turns to Goldie to put him up.