From EastEnders to The Bill... Kara TointonPreviously known as the show where soap stars go to die, The Bill's recent face lift has gone some way to improving its reputation.

Which must be why three familiar faces have signed up to guest in an upcoming episode.

Former Hollyoaks actor Barry Sloane, ex-EastEnders actress Kara Tointon and Torchwood star Gareth David-Lloyd will appear in a one-off episode early next year.

Details of the episode are being kept under wraps, but the storyline is said to revolve around a lovers' tiff.

Barry, who played Hollyoaks psycho Niall Rafferty, takes on the role of Josh Hunt. The lucky lad will have Walford's finest on his arm as Kara will portray his on-screen fiancee Ami Ryan.

Gareth, whose Torchwood character Ianto Jones died earlier this year, appears as Jeremy Preston.

Barry as 'Oaks baddie NiallBarry told Digital Spy: "It's a box that has to be ticked on every actor's CV, especially if you've done soap! I'm glad that I've got that one covered!

"Since The Bill changed its format, I really wanted a part and am so happy to have been cast."

He added: "Kara and Gareth have been brilliant and we've had really good fun filming - we've had such a laugh."

Find out when The Bill is on TV.