Ackley Bridge is back on our screens with eight new episodes of the hit academy-based television series. Starring a number of returning cast members, the latest episode of the show on Channel 4 also introduced fans to a brand new face: Sian Oakes. Here’s everything you need to know about Sian Oakes and the actor who plays her Ty Glaser.
Who is Sian Oakes on Ackley Bridge?
Viewers first got a glimpse at the new character of Sian Oakes (played by Ty Glaser) at the end of episode three of Ackley Bridge.
She was introduced to head teacher Mandy Carter (Jo Joyner) as her temporary replacement when the character goes on maternity leave.
Tonight’s (Tuesday, July 9) episode will see Mandy give birth to a baby and take a step back from school.
As Mandy gives birth, she soon finds herself overwhelmed by the new world of motherhood, so Kaneez Paracha (Sunetra Sarker) offers her some support.
At the same time, viewers will be able to see how Sian gets on in her new role as the maternity cover at Ackley Bridge school.
Channel 4 has teased that she will have an interesting first day when student Cory (Sam Retford) makes a move on her and tries to kiss her.
Sian is played by actor Ty Glaser, who viewers will recognise from her starring roles in Holby City and Emmerdale.
She played Dr Gemma Wilde in the BBC medical drama show in 2013 for 37 episodes.
Glaser also starred as Libby Charles in Emmerdale, as well as appearing in Secret Diary of a Call Girl and The Bill.
The actor revealed in an interview with Express Online back in 2013 that she trained as a ballet dancer before switching to acting.
Sian is not the only new character introduced in this season of Robert James-Collier joining the cast this series.
James-Collier plays Martin Evershed in the show after joining from hit show Downton Abbey.
Ken Weaver (George Potts) is another new character introduced in series three, starring as Mandy’s new nightmare boss.
This series has seen the beloved cast of characters return to Ackley Bridge school for some more trials and tribulations.
The school was specifically designed to unite the divided white and Asian communities in a Yorkshire mill town.
So far this series, viewers have seen some shocking storylines on the hit Channel 4 show.
This includes the tragic death of Missy Booth (Poppy Lee Friar), which deeply shocked viewers.
Fans will have to tune into the episode tonight to find out more about the new character of Sian and what her impact will be in the school.
Ackley Bridge season 3 continues tonight at 8pm on Channel 4