Denise Black is returning to Emmerdale two years after leaving the show.

The actress, who also appeared in Coronation Street for many years, will return to ITV’s rural soap as Joanie Wright.

Viewers last saw her character when she left Emmerdale to bring up her adopted grandson Kyle.

Denise Black
Denise Black in her Queer As Folk days (Matthew Fearn/PA)

She said: “I am very excited to be coming back to Emmerdale. It’s a lovely show to work on and I’m well set for Joanie’s revival. I bet she has learned a thing or two since we last saw her. Is she still a single grandma? Has she changed? How is Kyle? I can’t wait to find out.”

Denise will be back on the show from Wednesday June 17.

She has also been seen in shows including Queer As Folk, Cucumber and Benidorm.