EX-CORRIE star Emily Ashton is to take on a new role in an award-winning play.

The East Lancashire actress Emily Aston, the sister of Sam Aston, who plays cheeky Corrie teenager Chesney Brown, is probably best remembered as the daughter of Des Barnes’ girlfiend.

However while her brother was capturing the hearts of millions on the Street, Bacup-born Emily left the hit soap to pursue her career in London.

Now the 30-year-old actress is to take on the role of Paulette in a Lowry production of War Horse.

Yesterday the former St Saviour's School pupil launched the production when she met with Joey, the life-size puppet horse, for the first time.

War Horse’s highly-anticipated North West production begins on Wednesday, November 20, and runs for nine weeks.

Emily trained at the Oldham Theatre Workshop and at the Sylvia Young Theatre School.

She is best remembered by Corrie fans as Becky Palmer, daughter of Des Barnes's girlfriend Claire.

She has also appeared in the Bill, Heartbeat, Children's Ward, Casualty, Holby City, Doctors and Where the Heart is.

Emily who starred in the one-camera movie Dead Man’s Shoes has worked as an actress since the age of seven.

Her appearance in the mini series Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit saw her BAFTA-nominated for the role.