Gina Ward

A true Liver bird, Gina was sent to work in the Aidensfield Arms with her uncle to stop her getting up to mischief. After his death, Oscar Blaketon bought the pub and Gina became Aidensfield's resident landlady and she's now known among the locals for offering good beer and a friendly ear.

Gina would like to think she's a good judge of character but, when it comes to men, she's had a string of failed relationships. Gina was once engaged to long-term sweetheart Phil Bellamy, but she called off the wedding after the death of their baby, Daniel, who was born prematurely.

Although both Gina and Phil found new partners, they've always held a torch for one another and the flame is burning brighter than ever in the new series.

Do we hear wedding bells this time round?

Liverpool lass Tricia became a household name in 1993 when she first appeared as Gina Ward in Heartbeat and has stayed with the series. Throughout her acting career, Tricia has also featured in episodes of Coronation Street and in Heartbeat spin-off The Royal.

With ambitions to be a pop star, Tricia released her version of the Supreme's classic Where Did Our Love Go? in December 1998. Earlier this year, Tricia took part in the BBC's Comic Relief Does Fame Academy and got to the final, where she was narrowly beaten by 'It girl' Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.

Tricia is married to Mark Simpkin and they have a son called Jake.