Shieldinch for Corrie star Shobna

FORMER Corrie star Shobna Gulati has swapped Weatherfield for Shieldinch to join the cast of River City.

Shobna, 51, started filming at the BBC’s Dumbarton studios last weektoplayFarah Khurana, a blast from the past for Sanjeev Kohli’s AJ.

It’ll be a hat-trick of soaps for Shobna who played social worker Ameena Badawi in EastEnders in 2000 before signing up for Coronation Street.

She played Sunita Alahan for almost a decade in two lengthy stints ending in 2013.

“I’m absolutely delighted to join the talented cast and crew of BBC Scotland’s flagship drama, River City,” said Shobna.

“I’ve had the warmest Shieldinch welcome and am looking forward into breathing life into Farah. Watch out! She’s not all that she seems...”

Farah’s a fun-loving former university friend of AJ’s who returns to Shieldinch with him after meeting him on his travels around India. However, her unexpected arrival will prove unsettling for Ellie (Leah MacRae) as Farah becomes her love rival in a battle for AJ’s affections.

River City’s executive producer Kieran Hannigan said: “I am delighted she’s joined. Farah is going to set the cat among the pigeons.”

Shobna is just one of several new faces, including Karen Dunbar, who will make a one-off appearance.

“Bringing Karen to the show is also a huge thrill and I am sure our audience is going to love her character Francesca in her special appearance,” Kieran added.