The former Girls Aloud band member tweeted the news this morning and said: "Yes it true I'm joining Corrie! As u all know I've been a huge fan for yrs now so can't wait to strut my stuff on those famous cobbles!"

Sarah, who was born in Ascot but raised in Manchester, was a member of top girl band Girls Aloud for ten years but this is not her first time in front of the camera - she has had roles in BBC dramas and St Trinians 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold.

Producer Stuart Blackburn said: "Sarah is proving to be a gifted and exciting actor and I'm absolutely delighted to have her on board, the viewers are in for a treat as her character will be right at the heart of a massive new story for the Barlows."

Filming will start in May.