Mercedes McQueen meets her match

Mercedes McQueen is to face an unexpected love rival in 'Hollyoaks'.

The feisty barmaid's engagement to local footballer Riley Costello will be threatened when she meets her match in sexy blonde Alex, who turns up and tries to snare him away.

In the new storyline - which will be aired from the beginning of next month - viewers will see the Channel 4 soap's new character try to seduce a drunken Riley during an awards night out.

Annie Cooper, who plays the wannabe WAG, said: "I am delighted to be joining the glamorous cast of 'Hollyoaks' as naughty minx Alex. She's really going to test Riley and Mercedes' relationship and it's exciting to see how it all turns out."

The 27-year-old beauty added that she's enjoying working with Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes, and Rob Norbury, who portrays Riley.

She said: "Working with Jamie, Jen and Rob is great and everyone was really welcoming when I started filming."

Annie has already appeared on the small screen in 'Coronation Street', 'Married Single Other' and 'Skins'.