Former Emmerdale star Rachael Gill-Davis has joined the cast of a new play.

The actress portrayed Gail Loman in the ITV soap up until just a few weeks ago. The character was in a relationship with Ryan Stocks (James Moore) and worked at the Woolpack.

Rachael was among many Emmerdale cast members who departed this year. Also on the list were stars including Roxy Shahidi (Leyla Harding), Paula Lane (Ella Forster) and Martelle Edinborough (Suzy Merton).

Now she has waved goodbye to soapland, Rachael has been busy in the world of theatre, rehearsing for a play called Saint Joan, by George Bernard Shaw.

Rachael will play Joan of Arc, with the production running between August 16-23 in Cheltenham and Malvern.

Gail Loman left the Emmerdale village to start a new job in Devon with her mate. Prior to her departure, Gail came to realise that she wanted more from her life than just helping out at the local boozer.

She attempted to impress people by organising a Mr and Mrs quiz, but that ended badly when she took part in a round with partner Ryan Stocks (James Moore).

Gail and Ryan ended up getting quite a few questions wrong. It left Gail feeling embarrassed, and she eventually came to the conclusion the couple were no longer in love with each other.

It was the status of her relationship changing and her career dreams that pushed Gail to leave. Ryan felt emotional saying goodbye to her, but he was ultimately pleased that Gail was going to find her happiness.