Sexy new chef will stir up Neighbours

Neighbours' new girl Vanessa Villante is set to cook up a storm when she arrives in Erinsborough.

Played by Alin Sumarwata, professional chef Vanessa will make her first appearance in Ramsay Street in March 2012, when she is set to turn the life of one male resident upside down.

"I'm very excited about joining Neighbours - this caps off a busy year for us," she told Neighbours' official website.

The Iranian-born actress, who moved to Melbourne with her husband and their two-month-old daughter for her new role, quipped that her passion for food helped her develop her character.

"The fact she is always eating mirrors my life - I adore food," added Alin.

Soap chiefs have teased that Vanessa is 'no wallflower' and viewers will see her embracing life to the fullest as soon as she makes her arrival.

Gemma Pranita has also teased that viewers will be introduced to Jade Mitchell's violent ex-boyfriend in the coming year.

Jade's relationship with housemate Kyle Canning (Christopher Milligan) is currently taking centre stage as Neighbours screens its 2011 season finale week in Australia, and fans Down Under saw her sharing her secret about how she was abused by her ex.

"[Jade opened up] about her past and ex-boyfriend. So there's an ex from her past who's coming back next year," the actress told the Australian Courier-Mail.