Dallas soap legend to 'whip up a storm' in Hollyoaks

Hollyoaks fans will get their first sight of US soap legend Linda Gray who will be making her arrival as Marnie Nightingale's mother Tabitha on Monday.

The 76-year-old actress is best known for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing, the wife of Larry Hagman's infamous character JR Ewing in the '80s series.

She will first appear in the E4 soap on Monday when Tabby's daughter Marnie Nightingale, played by Lysette Anthony, calls her at her home in Los Angeles.

Marnie has recently got back with her ex-husband Mac Nightingale and phones her mother with the news.

Gray said: "I'm thrilled to be going from one iconic series to another. Hollyoaks viewers are going to love it when Tabby whips up a storm, just like Sue Ellen did."

Bryan Kirkwood, executive producer of Hollyoaks, said: "When we came to discuss who could possibly play Marnie's mother the list was very small.

"Lysette Anthony has fast become a fabulous soap bitch so having Linda Gray play her mother, Tabitha, is the perfect fit."