EMMERDALE is to introduce its first blind character to the soap, it was announced today.

Kitty McGeever will make her debut next month playing unruly character Lizzie Lakely in the ITV soap.

Emmerdale say Kitty will be the first regular blind character on a UK soap.

When she arrives on-screen she is set to cause uproar among the locals due to her remorseless bad behaviour and mischievous antics.

Lizzie is an old friend of Lisa Dingle's and is on community service after a petty crime conviction.

She has even been tagged to ensure she doesn't breach her curfew conditions, but hasn't learnt from her past mistakes and conceals the reason for her visit when she arrives in the Yorkshire Dales village to begin community service.

Kitty lost her sight at the age of 33 as the result of an illness. She trained at RADA and her previous television credits include Beautiful People and London's Burning.

In addition to her acting career, she works as a stand-up comedienne and is a regular performer on the comedy circuit.

Kitty said: ''I'm thrilled to be joining Emmerdale as Lizzie and delighted that the show is challenging stereotypes in this way.

''Lizzie spells trouble from the word go and will be causing all kinds of strife in the village.''

Gavin Blyth, series producer said: ''Kitty is an extremely talented actress and I'm pleased that she will joining the show, marking the arrival of such a fascinating character.

''Lizzie is forthright and fun and she'll soon prove that she isn't afraid to manipulate circumstances to her advantage.

''She'll no doubt ruffle feathers and make friends in equal measure and we looking forward to embracing the opportunity to explore how the residents of Emmerdale react to that.''