A pair of twins from Sussex are bringing a double dose of glamour to TV soap opera Hollyoaks.

Cassie and Connie Powney from Seaford have landed starring roles in the Channel 4 show, which is going out five nights a week.

Cassie has already been in the soap for a few weeks, as student Mel Burton.

But things take an awkward turn this week when her on-screen sister Sophie, played by her real-life sister, arrives with their mother and stepfather.

Cassie, 20, said: "I've always been a fan of Holly-oaks and I'm really excited about getting to know everyone. I won't be too homesick as I'll be with Connie so the move is quite an adventure."

Three years ago, the former Varndean College pupils tried launching a girl band called Tri-Angels with friend Claire Goulding.

The trio reached the final of a talent show hosted by members of the pop band Steps.

They then passed a two-year drama course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and appeared as the Larkin twins in a theatre production of The Darling Buds Of May.

In the summer the Powneys appeared as sisters in the movie What A Girl Wants, alongside Colin Firth and Jonathan Pryce.

However, it was just as they decided to try going their separate ways in the profession that they landed the role in Hollyoaks.

The soap has a cult following among teenagers and students and helped launch actors such as Gary Lucy, who stars in Footballers' Wives.

Cassie said she had had a lot of positive feedback from friends in Seaford about her time on the programme so far but said she would like her character Mel to enjoy a romantic liaison soon.

However, that may be less likely after Sophie's arrival.

Cassie said: "Mel is particularly peeved to see the rest of her family arrive as she has already started at Hollyoaks Community College and wanted to escape family pressures.

"She's not happy at the way twin sister Sophie cramps her style."

Connie's character is described as "sporty, lively and often spoilt by friends and boyfriends". Connie said: "I can't wait to play Sophie as she's nothing like me.

"It'll certainly be a challenging role to play.

"I'm really happy to have got the part in such a cool show and the fact I get to act alongside my sister gives me a real buzz."