Fans have been left shocked after discovering a totally "unrecognisable" Emmerdale actor in the last ever series of Vera.

The actress, who left the ITV soap nearly a decade ago, was seen in the New Year's Day episode of the popular detective programme.

In the installation of the show, Vera is called to the banks of the River Tyne after the body of a young woman washes up.

DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) then notices a blow to the victim's head, indicating that this was no accidental drowning.

Other actors and stars joined the 78-year-old on Vera, including David Leon as Joe Ashworth, Rhiannon Clements as Detective Steph Duncan and former Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati as Chief Superintendent Khalon.

Former Emmerdale star looks 'unrecognisable' in last series of Vera 

However, according to The Sun, ITV viewers were quick to spot former Emmerdale actress Chelsea Halfpenny (who played Amy Wyatt) as she made an appearance as Kimberly Martin.

The 32-year-old star joined Emmerdale all the way back in 2010 before quitting in 2013.

Discussing her exit from the programme, she said in 2022: "I only left because I was 22 — I was young and wanted to try other things. My character is back now but it’s not me playing her. Over the years they had asked if I wanted to return a couple of times and I’d said no."

Beyond her stint on Emmerdale, she has played a number of roles, including one on Byker Grove at the age of 10.

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Her aunt Jill Halfpenny is also huge in the world of show business, starring as Nicola Dobson in Byker Grove.

She is widely known for a number of other roles including that of Rebecca Hopkins on Coronation Street, Kate Mitchell on EastEnders and Izzie Redpath in Waterloo Road.

Chelsea said: "As a child, I really looked up to Jill and her life seemed really cool. She lived in London and she did all these fun jobs.

"I liked singing and acting and seeing someone from a similar background doing it, and being successful spurred me on."